So, this was long work night but satisfying :- ) The latest daily kicks ass. No issues on my side (though Dubcat might refer to LUT being applied in linear space instead of sRGB).
PBR is making the life so much easier, I kicked out all specular maps, converted glossy values with Dubcat's guide, with maps I just eyeball, no care much. Did few back-to-back renders, so far no issues or artifacts. Yay, now to convert the remaining billion assets.
Since the devs are hardly sleeping either I guess I'll cease request for 1.5 :- D What I wanted is there and works well. This will be pretty darn good release.