New rings/spacer for new diaphragm, thicker rings for dust covers suggests that new mylar will be also used - that should give different results in tonality, very interesting project.
Maybe your experiment will push me to mod mine 009.
As for the hole in the stators, its purpose has me curious as well.
I do not remember if I ever asked your here for this - can you share what you are using for coatings? Licron?