I have owned one since they first came out. I have used just about every configuration, although I don't really go 24 bit since I listen to CD's. I think it is a great little machine, and I have a boatload of concerts all far superior to my cassette and MD days, and the machine is far easier to use too. (hey with cassette I had a habit of accidentally recording over a set, and those MD media changes took forever). I was pretty lucky and really never had any issues when the unit wason the older firmwares. Thanks to the threads here I was pretty careful to develop a routine of turing it on and off that allowd me to record problem free. The only problems I have encountered have been with CF cards that are not fully compatable.
Although I now have a few CF cards that work well, my Seagate 5gb microdrive, is so compatable, I have never had one issue using it. I don't have to reformat or anything, it really works well. The drawback there is battery power, but I use the small USB 4AA 5v battery pack, so it really is not an issue. Even in super stealth, I put the MT in my phone case, and have the battery pack in my pocket.
I do have a 4gb kingston CF card now, so maybe I'll retire the seagate.
The bottom line on the deck for me has been excellent service and results.