Yep, I know of one guy who has opted for a 76D instead of the 169. I don't necessarily think a 76D is an upgrade though! C++ is in my mind still better than the D will ever be. For the price of a VIP 76D, you could get the 139 VIP. Unless SK is selling the 76D at a loss to try and generate sales and produce more than the 5/year that they're making at the moment.
I thought there was an interiors company (MAG?) that brought out a number of different VIP and VVIP interiors for the 169? What does the Linfox 169 have in it? They seem to be happy with the machine.
Mickey1123, no idea on engine start times.
The AMMC test I referred to is a Maintenance Check, not a pre-start check.