RE: scope reticle,1st or 2nd plane?????
I've owned a Swaro PH 3-12x50 with a first plane duplex style reticle. I've got no experience with the TDS, though I'm thinking seriously about buying an AV with one of these when I get my rifle back from being rebarrelled. The first plane reticle was one of the reasons I got rid of that scope. After using 2nd plane reticles all my life, I just couldn't take a liking to it.
For long range shooting I think a second plane reticle is superior. This is because the reticle will not increase in size as you increase magnification and therefore, it's easier to precisely aim at small distant objects since the reticle does notobscure as much of the target.
So, if it were me I'd opt for a scope with a second plane reticle.