Hi Guy,
Of course the feel of a any model grip is very subjective but the consensus I've gathered so far, is this one is somewhat less comfortable than previous ones for the D700 and D300s. I tried one out briefly in a shop and found it was just "all right", not quite as comfortable as previous models. Everyone's hands are different so hard to say how you would feel, especially after extended hand held use. On a monopod, it might be different.
I too was taken back at Nikon's pricing for this one. Seems this time around they were going after the marketing model of get you in the door with a astonishing price point for the body but rake one over the coals with every little accessory. What has made it worse with this grip as compared to previous ones, is that when shooting in full frame mode, the grip with any battery installed (another D800 battery, AA or D4) will not increase FPS, only # of shots. Only when shooting APS, will it increase the FPS from 4 to 6 (FPS)....making it less versatile than previous model grips. So more money this time around gets you less!
I have little doubt that 3rd party grips for this camera will eventually becomes available. I'm sure Nikon though will warn users of the D800, that by going this route, the D800 will either explode into a 100 little pieces upon its use or resolution will be reduced to 6MP and all lenses will have soft corners/edges with an overabundance of CA...LOL!
Dave (D&A)