nice! yea i definitely agree...there doesn't yet seem to be any evidence that heavy dreads can't be venerable. so i think it's fine :]
as for the techie, definitely wanting to see how he turns out.
this might inspire you: [i know it did for me while i started work on my techmarine elite for the headhunter DIY army]
good luck :]
-ant
ps congrats on the co-admin position! i have to get used to not seeing your name in purple now..haha :]