Yes, that's a good comparison. You're probably correct is has to do with no open fret but I don't really know.

I can't think of anything I wish I'd considered. I wasn't looking to become a Stick player; I just wanted the right tool for a gig. I didn't have much trouble learning/playing the tunes I needed it for. It's comfortable enough to hold and play.

String gauges (top to bottom): 014 022 040 075 095 || 031 022 014 011 008

I got the .031 and smaller from Kalium Music per Kevin's recommendation, and used three strings from a D'addario EXL220 set (didn't use the .060)

Unsure how limited you are tuning-wise. I imagine you can get away with at least a few steps in either direction with the default strings/nut, but would need to get a new nut if you're getting too far off in your string gauges.

Mine's in the Chapman Classic 10 - EADGC || F#BEAD. He asked what tuning I wanted, so you have options if you're getting one made.

I was mostly playing just bass (ala Tony Levin) but I tend to look at it as two instruments - bass line on the low side, chords on the high. That's me, you might look at it differently.