Just talked to Kevin at whites got these concerns resolved, Yes the lower rod is different as far as finish, stopped painting because of $$$ cost. Also He has no idea why the fade rate is slow and can't be adjusted, he's calling Bob head engineer and will post something to the masses. Lastly there were tweeks made to the V3i especially in the Mixed Mode Pro so the pencil thin lines are standard. The spreadsheet that beepgoeson listed above is for the V3, none out yet for the V3i with the new tweeks...this as per Kevin at whites....Ron