We will be going with the 1/2" Female NPT threads for the ball valve, since many guys are more accustomed to using threaded barbs on the hot side. Plus, instead of a 1.5" TC barb, clamp, and gasket, all you need is a threaded barb, so the cost is a little more reasonable.
However, there is a chance we could offer the TC piece from the opposite side of the valve (side that attaches to the kettle) as an accessory. So for those that want to use all TC, they could easily swap out the threaded piece and attach their accessories.
We have performed a myriad of tests for boiling times. etc, and this kettle does shorten them significantly. I cant get into numbers just yet, but we will be posting some of our test data for comparison sometime in the future. As you can imagine there are a lot of factors that can influence individual outcomes, so we might even solicit the first round of pre-orders for info on how the design has improved their process, and then post those results. That way we can begin to average data for the most accurate reporting possible.
As for the wort clarity, in our testing the results have been excellent, the dish bottom really helps to create a smoother whirlpool action causing a more uniform trub cone. Then the racking arm/sight glass combo gives the user the ability to clearly see/avoid trub pickup during knockout. It really is an awesome setup, it's basically identical to the design we developed for our Pro systems.