I just edged two stock -8.00 sph lenses to make a display. Here are the specifics:
A=48, PD=30.0 OU
Right: 1.67 Somo, BC=0.0, CT= 1.1mm, Max Edge Thickness=5.1mm
Left: 1.74 Nikon 5, BC=0.25, CT=1.1mm, Max Edge Thickness=4.9mm

The difference in edge thickness at 0.2mm is barely perceptible. This is not what I had hoped for. The Opticampus calculator predicted that the 1.74 would be 0.5mm thinner on the edge, even when the difference in BC was entered. At 1.1, Both CTs were less than I had anticipated.

Why is the Nikon 1.74 made on a 0.25 BC, instead of 0.00?
Why are both center thickness at 1.1 when I can't find a lab to grind one to less than 1.5?
Why only a 0.2mm difference in edge thickness, when the calculator predicts 0.5mm?
Why would a consumer pay the hefty premium for 1.74?
Is the Nikon 1.74's AR Crizal Alize? It IS slick as snot.
What is your experience with 1.74 lenses?