Mark,
The thing that stands out in your article is the enthusiasm with which you talk about the telescope and the interest it has created. I bought the standard version of the Meade 12 inch some three years ago and it also opened up a whole new world for me. The quality of the scope, the optics and its portability, make it good value for money. And it does force you to learn how to collimate very quickly.
Targeting Pluto already, I'm impressed. Venus can be a blinder! As you say, Jupiter and Saturn are always spectacular to look at and inspiring. Don't expect to see too much in Saturn's rings, nor the large gap within the rings (Cassini Division), as they are almost edge on.
You're son is thinking how lucky he is to have a dad so interested in the subject! Some nice pics of the scope.
Your review has an infectious enthusiasm.
Regards, Rob