I've looked at that ad in Agon a few times when it showed and had some interest in it because I 'm a faithful customer of Pauls and admire his work so much. I 've been a Dude owner for several years and also have his GT 200 monos which together , as you'd expect, make exceptional synergy. My concern(s) with the 2 piece linestage were the same as yours... Is it really worth rhe considerable expense simply in transport fees ( and anxiety ) as well as the simpler question of how good is it compared to my Dude??? Twice as good? No way... Then how much better for how much considerable effort to get it here? I 'm betting it 's quite amazing, but I don't have to bet with the Dude as I already know IT'S amazing too.
OTOH, even with all that said I know I have the personality where I almost said " the heck with it" and almost went for it anyway as it is such an astounding creation and it seems reasonable to believe it's at least as good as the Dude.., But my last trace of good sense told me it was just a hair too much involved ( not the least of which was my complaining wallet), to make the jump.
It is darn nice though... Damn nice.I don't know if I've 'helped or hurt' your decision process, but good luck to you...