Thank you for your advice.
I've bought the player (really I wanted to get some HD DVDs and still play BDs) and 15 titles, mostly at AUD$7 ($6.30) and a few up to $9.90 each.

If the player isn't up to scratch I'll return it and consider your advice on a US import HD DVD plus a BD player.

I estimate this option will cost at least 50% more than this one-box option (the equivalent of an additional 12-18 cheap HD DVDs!).
There is a lively trade in HD DVDs as some lucky buyers redeemed for 5-10 HDDVDs from the liquidation sales, just before they ran out.

(Once I get the plasma delivered and set up in a couple of weeks, subject to no further delays, I hope to report on the whole setup. If I find a good BD that I can buy or borrow I'll try to report on any difference or preference with this player).