I'm really on the fence about this. A few questions. First off I've heard the PS3 style d-pad has the same problems as the 360 style d-pad, in that it's easy for it to accidentally hit up and down inputs when you mean to only do left and right inputs. The video review posted above seemed to indicate as much, and I absolutely hate the 360 d-pad because of that - I vastly prefer the PS3 d-pad because the inputs are much less ambiguous and and "clean", for lack of a better term.
I've also been wondering about the analog sticks. What I wanted to do was set it up in the style of a PS1 controller - that is, d-pad in the top left and just leave the analog sticks empty. This was appealing to me because I like the minimalist style of the PS1 pad, but dislike how light it feels - the weights subvert that problem completely. The problem is I don't know how the pad functions without the analog sticks in - does the controller still function properly with the analog sticks removed? And, is there anything I can put in or over the recesses to prevent them from getting dirty or dusty.
This is pretty much my last ditch attempt at using pads, and I've heard both good and bad things on it. With the price tag on it, I want to be absolutely sure that what I'm getting is something I'm going to love to use, that what I am getting is going to work exactly like I need it to - otherwise, I'll just start saving up for the inevitable transition to stick.