Here's my spin:

Anybody who goes on any motorcycle forum and asks if so-and-so bike is alright for a beginner... is the type of person who can probably ride just about any bike as a first bike. It's the ones who don't ask that are most likely to wreck their bikes and/or become organ donors.

Yes ...

Good write-up, similar to how I felt when I test rode a Honda VFR. The VFR is a muscle car, the Duc is a Ferrari.

To me, and this is just for my needs, the only significant difference, upgrade wise, between the 1000/1100 and the 620 is the improved suspension.

I am happy to have a max speed of 110 mph, and I'm not really into a ss swingarm or dry clutch. I thought when choosing the 620, it might be nice to ...

Yah, keep us updated. Glad you decided on a Multi. Good choice! :D

I also know that in the next couple years I might move to Florida or California which would allow me to deal with far less traffic on a daily basis.

Uhh, you ever been to CA or FL? ;) Of course, it depends on where in CA or FL ...

Let us know how the test ride went.

Really, you can't go wrong with Ducati... anything! . If the 620 fits you, and gives you the ooomph you need... go for it! You won't be sorry.

imho, any bike can be a "first bike" if handled with care. It's all about the rider, not what he/she is riding.

You can get a Hayabusa as a first bike. If you proceed cautiously and intelligently, you will be fine. The fact that anyone asks if so-and-so bike is ok for a first bike is a big clue ...

My single drop brought tiny dig marks to my handguards, and the sliders themselves.

Without them, it probably would have dinged the panel, and perhaps tweaked or broken the rear brake pedal/peg.

That's at least $3k with labor.

The only negative I have heard is it makes it harder to shift in the lower gears, more touchy.

You may want to look for a MS 620 instead. Lighter and easier to flick around corners. Cheaper too.

You better make up your mind real soon. 2006 was the last year 620's were imported, and dealers have relatively few left to sell.