Well yeah, adding first is key. I am guessing they did it this way to properly demonstrate the insane amount of leaf they were able to get through the opening. I would drop them in commando then rack.
One of the biggest pro’s in my opinion is that it is transparent. I like to watch the yeast dance. They are also narrower by an inch. In my freezer this would allow me to have a third vessel without a collar. Better bottles and buckets are just hair too big for this.
Another plus is the threaded lid. I guess that could also be a con as the threads could harbor grime and spoiling organisms.
Some of the bucket lids I have are complete PIAs to remove. Sometimes I have to put my knee in the middle and pull back to break the seal. More Beer has the softer lids which are nice, but my newer buckets have the hard plastic lids that really grab on. I never understood why the lid tools exist, but after buying True Brew buckets, I get it. Still don’t use one, but I get it.
Regular non gasket sealed bucket lids leak for me at times. I am getting ready to try a gamma lid as a replacement. If that doesn’t seal well either, I’m going to the big mouth carboys.
My only issue with the gamma lids is the ring is designed to be permanent. Cleaning underneath would be a hassle. I know people that use the 14 gallon vittles vault (same lid) and have had zero issues, but I am hesitant.
I agree that cleaning it could be a pain. I have no actual plan to remove the outer lid at all. I will only remove the screw on top and just do my best to clean under the outer lid with several brushes I have.
I’ve thought of running a bead of food grade silicone around the outer lid portion, inside the bucket. That way there is a seal from anything getting under that portion. But doing that pretty much makes it a permanent lid.