Short performance update: tested mine in a light-to-medium rain on a short hike on the weekend, and was waterproof.
Despite my initial misgivings about the handpocket angles and size, they worked better than I thought they would - their steep angle makes me bring my elbows and shoulders back, improving posture.
Given that I'm not likely to use the pockets when wearing a pack, and therefore not likely to put stuff in them except my hands to keep them warm, this isn't such a bad feature after all.
The hood flap just ended up flattening to my forehead like a tumpline - don't expect it to shed water well, or keep rain off glasses / sunglasses.
Overall, it works, and just has all of the quirks that others have mentioned above.