Tom,
my Thermal torch cuts quite a bit slower then the Hypertherms. I would be in
the 70/60 ipm range on the same stuff, with a lot lower tip voltage. 105 or lower. I use the exposed tip on that stuff too. A Hypertherm 100 max and a new Centricut torch seems to have the same cut speeds as my unit. I not complaining too much because there are a few advantages on my table for going slower. I did speed up the accelaration (X and Y) from the setting you gave me because some of my corners on thin stuff were rounded off. I have not noticed any lost steps or any other downside yet.
Your THC has been working really well, even being a earlier version. I cut this warped sheet of .050 MS and it followed it perfect. I also cut a 9 ft/.120 aluminum lion for a neon sign maker. No inside cutouts because it will be painted. The THC followed that sheet fine also. I can't see cutting without a THC or some other plate follower deal. I will not comment on how my Practical THC would of worked. (when it worked that is)
Scott