With regards to oversized clefts, wasn't the Pod meant to be made from an oversized cleft? In fact, I'm almost 100% sure that it was advertised like that when I first looked up Salix. (A few years back) When I got my hands on one, I was pretty surprised, as it was smaller than a few of the bats I had at the time, and is probably one of the smaller bats I have now! (Besides the Tour maybe) I do think that the definition of 'oversized' has changed over the years with change in demands, so it was probably oversized back then, but standard now!
D7bow had a Laver that had a ridiculous spine and edge size, and my L&W PB has a spine height of 65-68mm. I think it all depends on the batmaker's way of doing things. If you're getting a machine to do everything, you can probably get the highest spine possible from a cleft very consistently, although if you do it by hand, there has to be that leeway for a mistake. I think the Amplus will probably be around 63-65mm spines. (Based on a look at my friend's ones)
Back on topic, that CK22 is a lovely looking bat, I really didn't like it when I first saw it, (Thought it looked really concaved) but it doesn't seem to be too concaved, and it is massive! The stickers have grown on me as well. Maybe it's made from the lighter OS clefts, hence the hefty price tag. The most important thing is that you love the bat, and from what you've mentioned, I think you'll get on with it fine.
I do agree that the finishing should be better - I know a few forum members who finish bats much better than that! (Better than a lot of other brands too) Surely with the sale of a few bats, they can invest in some better equipment for that - a good finish compliments the bat as a whole! (Especially for a premium brand)