Totally agree Roy!
Time is a limited resource! When I go to the track I bring with me a sack of charged batteries. I then practise for an hour or two non-stop, just replace the packs. Part of the beauty with LiPo is the possibility to have them pre-charged for days and weeks!!! That's gold!!! I've been doing RC flying for several years too. Sometimes the LiPos lay around for 6 monts+ ... and still perform just av well with close to full runtime!!!
The DMS brace on the old chassis works very well! Does it not fit the new chassis?
Mind you guys we also run 8 minute heats here in Norway! We plan to increase the length by 1 minute every year...