Wow, Kagehitokiri. Thanks for gathering all of the quotes. I had only caught a few of them on a search myself.
Regarding the seasickness, the new itinerary has people flying to Labuan Bajo to catch the boat. I guess this keeps you out of the rough water. But then you do return by boat all the way to Amanwana the last night.
Incidentally, the cost of the plane-day-charter to Komodo has increased to closer to $9k. Ouch.