DX, I definitely agree with you about the ball valve once you get used to it. The main problem that I noted was that the movement is ackward to those who regularly use a trigger at first. Right now I have no problems with ball valves at all and in fact prefer them.
Getting high range wasn't ever a problem for me. Balance issues also never were a problem for me because I use backpacks more often than not. I suppose balance should deserve more attention for single-piece blasters.
