The easy way to track it is by the position of the two rods. They will all line up in different positions as they settle into the heater. For instance, one of mine will work best when the rods line up to the 6 O'clock position. and won't work well in one other position (in the third, it works decently).
Just note the position of the rods as you turn it in one direction (say, clockwise) to the next position it will settle into, note where the rods point, and then rotate clockwise again to find the third position and note where the rods point again.
Same, I've been paranoid about stripping the screws. I'm relieved that the V2s are so much easier.
The main difference between the Swiss OGs and the Italian V1, V2, & Clicks is that the pan is lower and easier to replace, and consequently the rods on the midpiece are higher than on the OGs. Practically speaking this really only means that the Italian models can have the pan replaced, and they cannot share midsections with the OG Swisses. One other difference is that the OGs were made on a lathe so they're rounder than the Italian models which are made on a CNC machine; this is usually what accounts for the need to adjust the station for individual VMs. The V2s and Clicks have their mica sheets held on with glue instead of the screws used on earlier models. I'm not aware of any other differences or downsides.
Not that I'm aware of. There could be a slight flavor advantage because it's so much easier to keep clean?
You may have specific limitations but in general the station is fine to use on the porch/patio/balcony, just bring it in and take it out.
