Great point.
Based on my findings, relying on API can be quite dangerous. API was telling me I was in the money, then I cross referenced it to the Salifert and I was at almost 50ppm before a past due water change.
I am anxiously awaiting the Hanna digi's as well. I don't consider myself a lazy reefer, but when I comes to testing......there are many other things I would rather do! Plus there seems to be way too much inconsistency with in the test kits, as well as human error.
Im glad you made it a point to mention that a reefer should never dip the test vial into the reef water directly. A newbie may not know the importance of this. I always fill a small plastic dixie cup with reef water and then use a syringe to fill the test vials.
I also use an old babys bottle drying rack to hold and dry all my test vials up side down and caps to dry out after a thorough rising in tap, and then a quick roll in some RO.
Again a great point. Like Mucho always says "Listen to your reef, it will give you the answers" Through close observation with one's eyes and one test kit brand is the way to go for me.