I finally got to test my rough draft of a gate yesterday and love the results. Here is a before shot, with 650lbs up front and 1350 on the surf side:
Before.jpg

And after, with 650 up front, 800 on the surf side and 500 on the non-surf side:
After.jpg

I rode it first and it took some getting used to after surfing for two years without it. There was definitely enough push to ride comfortably, and the pocket was noticeably longer and much cleaner. I used to have to ride close to the platform and can now ride twice as far off or so out without losing it. It's nice to be able to drop back now and pump in to try tricks, whereas before I didn't have any area to do so.

Driving impressions: it was nice not to be driving a listed boat, but the gate actually takes some getting used to. Since we surf regular, the gate is on the starboard side and thus the boat wants to turn toward starboard. Once you get up to speed it is ok, but when you go to neutral it's impossible to turn left. You also have to hold pretty strong to keep the boat straight for the same reasons. I got used to it after driving for a few hours yesterday but initially it was weird.

Some improvements will be made and more testing done, especially with weight and deployment angle, but overall I'm very happy with it.