I have a 2.5x20mm wide duplex on mine in low rings though I'd prefer a 1.5x or 2x. I like the wide duplex in thick bush.

I agree with you - I'm keeping an eye out for another Vari-X III 1.5-5x20mm without the gizmo's that are on the newer ones. Don't need 'em.

I use a hard cheek weld and couldn't get the crosshairs spot-on bringing the rifle up without raising my cheek ever so slightly, so I put a thick leather butt cuff on it and now it's perfect.

If you'll be in the thick stuff you'll likely just leave it on 2x.

I loaded my rounds to 2050 instead of 2150. That and the way I hold the 2nd round in my trigger hand makes for a pretty darn fast reload with practice.

YMMV...