You note this. Isn't a screw in ND a bit a hassle? I have a vari ND but I would to change it a lot because once shooting in sun and than in shade or indoors.
How do you get such a smooth manual focus using the GH1 (with the Nikon manual lenses)?
The Fader adds to the complexity of the camera. But if you set up your scenes it's just one of the many things you do. It's very nice to have shutter at 1/50, full aperture and just turn the Fader to correct exposure.
To focus in a smooth manner you have to practice. I've done a lot of work with my D90 and the lenses I have has that really smooth focus ring.