Yes, its def better.....you do really need the software APR update installed/flashed to sort out the known cold start up issues (which is only momentary) and the error code that will be present as the flap motor will either show an 'open circuit' fault (if you remove it totally) or a 'stop outside of valid range' if you leave it connected but without the connecting rod attached.
I took the plates out of the head on mine and had a clean up around the valves but didn't go too mad. Honestly I feel idle is better than its EVER been....how ironic!