You're right, David, it's not a real swirl-pot. It kinda acts like one during the burping I imagine, by running the car with the cap off until all the air is out, then toping off to whatever level is right.
The thermostat on the inlet isn't a big deal really, just a tad unusual. The circuit is...well... a circuit. Stop the flow from circulating anywhere you want and there's no circulation. Is this is circular reasoning? 
I decided on Subie power because I can travel from 100' above sea level to 7,000' in about an hour and a half. I plan to travel up into and over the mountains a lot, so fuel injection for me. Plans are for heat and air conditioning, why have a coupe if it's not a year round driver. Plus, I've done all sorts of air-cooled stuff in the past and I feel like I'm ready to do something else. Like Stan said in his comments about electric, every situation has a solution that works better.
Irrigation system 90% complete. Yay. My back hurts.