Hey Rad, great points. I have experience with Pacu in aquariums, and they're amazingly aggressive fish. My tilapia are as well.
Regarding the last point I agree culling becomes easier, but my point is that if "the old seasoned vets don't take the pellet bait" - well, if that's true I think that they're not eating pellets as aggressively that's bad for their ultimate growth. Doesn't mean they still won't do well as you say.
