I agree with you joncat on the MSX's performance. From what I've seen, they perform as good if not better than many high end models. Out of the box. It's not just one thing that does it for them though. The sicce pumps have a large volute, come with the mesh wheel and restrictors, and use very little power. They have a bubble diffuser built in and a decent outlet/water level control. The silencer is a nice little feature also. It is essentially the old style octopus with all the mods built in. The shnizzle.LOL.
My take on the new octopus is that for a few less dollars up front, I get a good modable (Bushism?)unit that I can upgrade as I go. Yes, it will likely cost me more in the end, the octo pumps arent really that great and use more power, but I believe it can be made to skim as effectively as the MSX.
I also suspect that the features the Tunze skimmers have, which this new model is essentially a mock of, will be able to be in-coorporated into it. Time will tell there.
I dont yet fully understand Tunzes "stabalizing" features, or if they are even a benefit, but doing some research on them. Just a busy time right now.
Thats gotta be some nasty skimmate in that cup.
Break down and cleaning of the new model Octos should be soooo simple also.