I bit the bullet in July and bought the 12" version with my tax refund – it is my first scope, and after a bit of time learning to find my way around I love it. I go out in the country with my neighbours (they have a 6" and 8" skywatcher 'solid tube respectively) and after comparing on a few objects I am really glad I bought the 12" for its extra light gathering. Good performance, but still relatively easy to lug around.
It is certainly not a light scope (at least for my bad back), but separated into two pieces it is quite manageable. For the backyard I leave it together, for driving I separate it. The collapsed tube fits easily into the trunk of my Honda Odyssey (with room for luggage I might add), and the mount sits perfectly on one of the middle seats. As a complete newbie I can have the scope set-up and cooling in a couple of minutes (although I have started taking it to the garage first to start cooling early

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Shroud-wise, it should be quite easy to make a nylon wrap around for the open tube and a ‘shower cap’ cover for the top. Actually my mother-in-law is already making these for me

Regarding collimation, it holds it pretty well – not perfect (I think driving is tough on anything) but it holds it very well when collapsed and extended in the backyard.
I can’t really comment too much on the optics as a) I am too much the newbie and b) this summer has been the worst year for viewing where I live for many years (of course I caused this by buying the scope). If anyone has specific questions I will try to answer as best as I can.
One last thing – after a couple of years of relying on binoculars (which I still enjoy), looking at my first object in the telescope (Saturn) was unbelievable. Even with the humid, turbulent nights we have had this year the many things I can now see take my breath away! I feel like a giddy school child every night I go out with it!