i have recently purchased this scope myself and i couldnt be happier with it.. i could have gone with a lightbridge but a scope that comes completely apart just didnt intrest me at this size. ill wait till i get a bigger ap for something like that.
as far as image and portability its tops i have no complaints..
and to fix the up down motion i copied the idea that this guy had..
http://www.spacealberta.com/equipmen...2.htm#bearings
have alook at what he did with the alt bearings.. i got the bolts for about $4 and then bought a cheap skateboard $10 and swapped it all out.. smooth as now couldnt be more pleased with the result.