Does anyone know if the bootloader is unlocked?
I can confirm that the bootloader is not unlocked as of yet. That doesnt mean it cant be unlocked or gotten around.
Root will be killed upon update. The biggest bonus is the addition of unknown sources allowing apps to be installed from anywhere. The new UI is good. It takes a bit of getting used to but from what I see there is no way to put a Launcher on there and still select the BlurUI as default. Once you install a Launcher like GO Launcher and hit the Home key it brings up that launcher automatically. Even if you were using the new BlurUI, if that is even what they want to call it now.
After using it for a few days, I do like the new UI. It isnt that bad. Could be better but could be far worse. The addition of multiple profiles to use is a plus. So now you dont have to cram all of your apps and widgets onto 1 set of screens. You can set them up for Home, Work or Weekend as they are labeled. Makes life much better when you can setup multiple profiles for the various things you do. Can even set different wallpapers for each profile.
Battery life is fantastic as well. I took mine off the charger this morning at 5am. At 7pm I still had over 70% of my battery life left. I turn off my phone to test the bootloader, and it is now reading 86% battery. I havent had heavy usage today, but I have had more than normal usage for me and it still has held up the charge greatly.