I had the opportunity to spend a couple of beautiful days on the Isle of Man (sans bike) in mid-January. It's all they say it is and more. Definitely planning a week long trip back there sometime although probably not during the TT due to cost.
I didn't have a chance to get up there and scout the roads out before cold weather last year. I'd like to do that first, maybe this spring.
Secondary question: how essential is a garage/work area?
I think Brian said he was holding all of the lodges back except one for us since it's the 20th. Don't know when his cut off point on that will be date wise.
They did some research on what type of lighting makes an oncoming bike most visible to cars. Turns out it's the bright yellow running lights. The pulsing headlights were actually sort of mesmerizing to the point they were ignored.