Great review IMAG. I've been reluctant to do this for just the reasons you've cited.
On your boot issue, lose the cheezy plastic and get a Redline goods boot. With a smaller hole, a rubber washer on the shaft it can be made to fit quite well. Also, the TWM knob, in addition to being nicely weighted (14 oz) it is also height adjustable over about a 1" range. I've got mine dropped a bit and it shifts like butter..
