So, will bump this one current. I just picked a new one of these up yesterday. First thing i notice that is different from your pics is apparently the manufacturer listened to its customers and redesigned the fuel basket. There is now an ash tray on bottom with a grate and basket for charcoal above. Assembly is a breeze and the early complaints were it was thin metal. While you cant expect 3/16 plate or something for the price, it seems to be in line with many other smokers ive checked out in this range. I lit a chimney and added about 15 briquettes to the basket in order to season it and get a bit of a test out of the way. They have been burning for about 2 hours now and the basket is working perfect. ash is falling into pan and no choking. In playing with the air, I can vary temps fairly decently. Still trying to get it lower than 265, but its still new to me for this style so should have no issues there. Once I get some meat in there I can maybe have some more opinion on mods, but honestly, this is the first one I've used that didn't need anything out of the box. Perhaps a baffle off the firebox may end up being in order but we will see. Did notice a little leakage around the firebox to smoker connection, but a bit of sealant should take care of that. The smoker door is actually fairly tight at the moment. maybe a few smokes and it will need some seal, but again, time will tell.