Geoff-
I think these mics are a great way to get into the taping scene. They are very comparable to the AKG blue line, but since they are made in China, ADK is able to knock a few bucks off.
I was quite impressed with the recordings, and it wasn't until i compared them to the KM184s did i notice any major difference. For just over $300 for the pair, it can't be beat.
As for the lack of hypers, ADK doesn't really make them right now. The A-51 TLs are switchable pattern, and from the word on the street, I hear wonderful things about them!
You don't necessarily need to run hypers when you are int he tapers section at shows if you set them up in the right stereo technique. Certain times you definetly want them, but card's are a more universal mic pattern, IMO. If you run a DIN pattern with cards, they are almost the same distance apart as ORTF, but at a narrower angle. This may help point the mics more at the stacks when running cards if you don't have hypers.
Enjoy the samples!
Phil