That's a pretty impressive story about LF.
If you like the Atom (I know you don't need a kite) you should demo the Ion2 10.5m, just to see how it feels. They are pretty sweet. I still remember your concerns over the 12 and it not relaunching (in like 9 knots!). Understandable given the situation. Glad you are happy with it now.
The Flexis are truly bomb proof, that kite should last quite a while.
Bayflite and Billy have both known that for several years.