I'm dumbfounded that that much dirt got through the Uni?!?!
Was it oiled? My Uni was filthy at 1066 (first cleaning) and a goopy/oily mess - but the stock air filter was still spotless at 1137 miles - all were with the Uni on its snorkel behind the passenger seat. (those pics are linked in my sig for the curious) The Donaldson (filter minder) would seem to be redundant since the Uni sits in plain sight? I'd be surprised if you ran your Uni as dirty as I did or past its ability to filter, it should have choked out the engine first.
To be clear - I am NOT pointing fingers like some will do, but I'm 'driven' to find solutions and this failure could happen to anyone using this concept.
Ride quality - If anything, the ride in the '21 is firmer than the red '20 I had but I'm sure that's because the '20 had 1500 miles on it and was finally breaking in.
My opinion on the Live Valve - I really, really want it to work and I think it will, someday. I'd have been tempted if the LV was available when I bought mine because I know any stock suspension can be improved. BUT, and a big but, I've read of too many issues with the LV for me to consider it at this time. The biggest problem is getting the shop techs trained in the very complex computer workings controlling the very complex mechanical systems involved. The SxS environment is a brutally harsh world, I keep my toys for years, you put big miles on yours - both of these situations are going to tax the mechanical components to their limits. I ride for fun and I don't want my buggy sitting in a dealership for weeks (months?) while their high school tech tries to figure out what pissy little computer glitch or delicate mechanical piece has failed.
So, no on the LV for me.
It's my (narrow minded) opinion that the best option for me at this time is having Weller Racing do the full shock treatment, including springs to match my load (2 spares and a bed extender). I'll be in Arizona shortly and can drop the Talon off there so I don't have to ship my shocks off (something I seem reluctant to do). If I was willing to step up to shipping, G-Force would probably be another shock service I'd look into, they have a great internet reputation too and external rebound and compression clickers AFAIK.
It goes without saying - keep us informed, inquiring minds need to know.
obtw: you got most of your money's worth out of this one IMHO - I'd trade it in.