Thanks Joe,
I think it's important to remember that just because a machine is of a two-filter design, does not automatically degate it's use in extreme mineralization. A good case in point might be the various induction balance gold machines that are generally of the two-filter design. These machines are able to tackle some pretty harsh mineralization in hunting for tiny gold nuggets in such areas, so the potential is obviously there. Many of those gold-specific machines, the better known and more popular models, have their genesis in the same designer as the T-2, Dave Johnson. Also, this machine has been specifically designed for use with double-D coil designs just for reasons of being able to handle harsh mineralization and target separation better, even though it weilds a relatively large 8x11 elliptical coil. What "disadgantage" a large coil may have is somewhat negated by the use of the DD design, and from hands-on experience, I can say that for such a large coil, the T-2 is simply awsome in it's ability to separate closely co-located coins. In a specific test, the T-2 can easily separate two pennies or dimes only 1/2 inch apart. Not too shaby IMO.
There is an awful lot to like about the T-2, and it took some close scrutiny to even come up with this "bottlecap issue" to have something to discuss. But in truth, every high-end high-gain machine on the market is going to have some problems with certain types of iron targets, regardless of manufacturer. That is almost to be expected. I also think chastizing a new machine because it does something every other comparable design does is really a little childish. While I might have a "bottlecap problem" if I am standing in an ocean of the things, for the most part you are right in your assertion that the whole subject has been a bit blown out of proportion. These machines are all of 3 weeks old in their final production release form, and there will be alot more information forthcoming about what they are or aren't capable of. The "3b" and other tone options haven't even been hit upon yet, so there are still alot of possibilities with this machine.
Ralph