Thanks for the taking the time to do this, I would of loved to but I couldn't justify spending $400 on a custom RasPi.
I've heard it said that the 21inc computer was likely a proof of concept sort of deal to show the Bitcoin community and investors that they have a viable business model. I think down the line we will see some pretty cool things from 21inc, but their first Bitcoin computer was not meant to be anything special, more like a trial run for more complex products coming in the future.
The thing I still don't get is they were the ones who talked about putting chips in everyday items. That was a big part of their PR I thought was pointed twords that.
And then to go to a custom RPI... that just is not really going in existing product. I mean even if they made topper and just sold topper for RPI2 I see that as more putting on a everyday device.
I still think this is just so they can say they have a product and it's shipping. So when they go to raise money they say "Yes we are shipping miners". I don't see this as much more then proof of concept. And the concept is not worth the 400 to me personally.