Ok, took this deck out for practice yesterday. Some thoughts and impressions:
1. Hold button - as mentioned above, turning on the hold also locks out the cell phone controller. Hopefully could be fixed via firmware update.
2. Naming the recorder - I'd like to be able to rename the recorder so you could run two at the same time and have corresponding phone controllers. As a reference, this can be done on the Zoom F8, which also has a recorder specific bluetooth login code. I have a laughable image of several tapers using this recorder in a close area, and everybody trying to lock into their recorder and instead getting their neighbors.
3. Inputs - To recap, there's the two detachable mics at the top, 4x xlr/trs combo jacks, and then the 1/8" input on the side. It has an option for routing the inputs to the recording channels. HOWEVER, if you are using the 1/8" input, it bypasses the 3rd + 4th xlr/trs input. There is no way to override the detachable mics input instead. So in effect, this is a recorder that is 4x channel plus 2x mics, not a 6x channel recorder. I guess technically you could take 1/8" input, split it to left and right, and plug it into the inputs on the top (although I don't think you can turn off the plug-in power).
#3 is a dealbreaker for me. I wanted this recorder as an upgrade to the Zoom H6, which allows for six line level channels, not a gimmick of four channels plus internal mics. If #1 and #3 issues can't be fixed by a firmware update, then I'm returning/selling off this recorder. Might roll the dice on the awkward Zoom H8, which at least allows you to do ten inputs.