Just wanted to chime in real quick. Finally made my way through the whole thread and halfway through had to go buy the mini II. Its my first mod and certainly a step up from my mvp2. I actually found a gold one and fell in love. I was a little suspicious as I hadn't seen gold other than in the 30w, but it seems like everything checks out. Now if only my batteries would charge faster.
Recently bought my first RTA, so I wanted something that it'd match up with well and this will do the trick perfectly.
Anyway, thanks for the wealth of information you've given in this thread. I'm sure I'll be back reading again once questions come up.
Both models do indeed come in gold, so there's that. I actually wanted the gold but my B&M didn't have one.
One thing to check on your mod: make sure your atty mounts flush (no gaps or crooked behavior). Some of us have a crooked 510 connector which causes the atty to not mount flush. Also, be careful with the finish -- it will peel off if not careful. I suggest a wrap. Can get them on Ebay for like $7.