I don't understand everyone's problem with having to buy another set of tools. If you're going to shell out the big money for a top-shelf racing buggy, fancy radio, servos, Spektrum, PT, nice engine, etc..., a few hex and nut drivers shouldn't matter one bit. It costs almost as much as a set of tires that might last 1 race...
For example, I used to only run Kyosho, OFNA, etc... so I had all metric stuff, until I got my first XXX-4. I gladly bought a full set of SAE tools for an ELECTRIC car. It makes you better prepared at the track with whatever car you may get further down the road, since you'll already have the tools and some spare hardware.
As far as coarse vs. fine thread goes... It'll be whatever the LOSI engineers find works best. They would know, they've been designing r/c cars for years.
Back on topic, does anyone know of any new 8 pictures?