Hi,
The bypass is only for top loading. It's really not a bypass. Half of the baffle is hinged. To top load, you open the cook top, then use the side handle to rotate the baffle up so a split can be dropped in. You then rotate the baffle back, then close the cook top. If you forget to return the baffle to its normal position, there is a little gizmo that makes it fall back into place when the top is closed.
I too rarely use the top load. It works, but loading through the front makes it much easier to arrange the splits, rake the coals around, et cetera. Typically, I completely reload the firebox 3x a day. Once in a while, I use the top to chuck in a split or two to goose the fire, but I could live without it. I didn't get the free winter grill because my rangely was a floor model
. I think the price for one was around 200 clams. Too rich for my blood, but one of these days I may fabricate a reasonable facsimile.
I've never had any draft problems when burning (27' insulated liner in an interior chimney), but I do sometimes get some smoke spillage, which is curious. Might be because it's rear vented. The horizontal run is only a foot or 16 inches though. I think that is my only gripe with the stove. It's a great heater, doesn't look too shabby, and provides a spectacular light show through the huge 'glass' door. The f55, on the other hand, omits the rotating baffle and the ash pan in exchange for a bigger firebox.
I do enjoy the ash pan. I empty it usually once a week, though I should do it a little more frequently. Usually when I do it, the pan is full and ash has started to pile up in the firebox. when the pan is pulled out, the heaping ash is scraped off level by the ash door opening. I empty the pan, then put it partly under the ash door, then pull the remaining ashes out of the pan compartment with a simple ash 'hoe' that I made. Sounds like a PITA, but it's really not a big deal.
If i fill the stove before bed, there are always enough coals in the morning to light up the next load. I think that I only cold started the stove twice from december through march last year.
Hope this helped.