Thanks guys for the all comments and advice.
To be honest, I have done very little to this tree since I got it earlier on this year, other than pot it up into its current container, so it should be good for another year in there at least. I wired a couple of branches to introduce some shape, but as I wasn't 100% sure on which face was going to be the front, I decided to let it grow and hold off with the cutters till I had managed to get a good look at the thing in the nude.
John, You are correct about the lean in #30817. The tree does indeed bow slightly toward the viewer in that shot, which often is a consideration when choosing a front and a factor I had be thinking about. I am toying with the idea of using #30815 and altering the planting angle somewhat to acheive the lean on that side. The reason being is that the flare at the base of the trunk is far superior to that in #30817 which is why I am in 2 minds as to which side to be front.
As far as nebari go, I haven't seen any really. The trunk is like one big buttress as John describes, so I will have to go down at least another inch or two into the Akadama before I discover more.
I like the idea of having more than one leader John, as I would like to get away from the pine tree look. If you have the time, I would LOVE one of your famous virts
cough hint cough.
Mr Dixon is again spot on with regard to the bark. The scaring/bruising of the young wood does indeed create grey bark. I observed this myself a few months back when I was applying some wire and damn near peeled the bark off to the heartwood lol. Acer P's definitely mark easily, especially on juvenile wood. Some see this as a drawback, but as you rightly say John, you can work this to your advantage and "age" young limbs within months, rather than wait years for it to develop naturally.
Thanks again for your comments and advice folks. I'll keep you posted on any developments.
All the best,
Aaron