Allright I'm about done with this for now.  Specs haven't changed from what I've mentioned at the top of this thread (light setup, face_off's shader settings, hardware, etc.).  The only thing to note is what I'm calling my compromise render settings which are my attempt to get a good combination of timely renders and good quality images - you'll have to judge the results for yourselves.  I compared render settings against two different hair models - the Wild Hair (available here in the marketplace - a very realistic hair/materials package) and the Long Hair Evolution (Kozaburo's - gold standard hair).

Let's get to the facts...