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I actually got my LE copy (complete with Chachamaru figurine) three days ago, but didn't get around to forcing myself watch the final installment in English until today. Still, I'm ahead of schedule, since the release date is the 20th of February.

I've been dissappointed with the anime since I started reading the manga, and while Xebec does a little better with this original arc than its rendition of various events from the manga, there are still problems.

Firstly, I find it difficult to believe that neither of Asuna's two best friends (Ayaka and Konoka) don't know her birthday, especially considering Asuna and Ayaka are close enough that Asuna remembers the date when Ayaka's brother was supposed to have been born.

Then, there's the whole pact with the Devil situation. If the arrangement is that Asuna loses her supposed magic potential in exchange for magic mullification, and there's a 10 year time limit that's imposed, doesn't that eliminate the need for demons to hunt down Asuna? So why the frick do they still hunt her down? Also, it seems magic nullification has no effect on magic used to fly.

Furthermore, it's obvious her memory wasn't erased, but she never mentioned Nagi to Negi.

Also, I'm pissed that Setsuna is constantly wussified, both physically and emotionally. Granted, she does require emotional support from Negi and Asuna in the manga, but combat-wise she's about as strong as they get.

Finally, while I'm impressed that Trina Nishimura (English VA for Chao) explained both the meaning and origin of the term "Deus Ex Machina" in the commentary, I'd say the Cassiopeia wasn't actually one, since the time travelling itself didn't actually solve the problem, it just provided an opportunity to do so. It was the wierd invention that involved everyone holding hands to power it that was the deus ex machina, I'd say. That, and the convenient memory loss for everyone but Eva and Chachamaru.

Wonder how long before 601 gets converted to region 2 for UK/Europe

We get 101 in a number of days