1. Can you easily read the display from 12 ft away?
The main display is very easy to read - from my couch (about 10 feet) or my desk (about 15 feet) it's completely legible. The little mode indicators along the top of the display are too small to read from more than a few feet, but I've learned to recognize where the most useful ones are located and can tell what's on. The speaker indicators are also good for that.

2. The 990 has 5 optical and only 2 coax digital inputs. Is this too few for coax inputs? I would rather at least 3 coax.
It hasn't been a problem for me. My Panasonic DVD-R and my Zenith HDTV only have optical outputs, and my other devices all offer both optical and coaxial.

3. What do you think of the front panel visually and functionally?
I've suggested to Outlaw that they cause the MUTE indicator to flash over the digital input portion of the screen so that the active input stays visible, and when troubleshooting other people's setups I've wished there was a way to have the display show the exact input format (such as "Dolby Digital 2/0.0" like the old Model 950 did and the 1070/970 still do). Those are the only two complains I have, and I consider both to be minor quibbles. The editable input names are wonderful.

4. Do you use the balanced or unbalanced audio outputs with your setup?
I've used both at different times. Currently I've got balanced to the mains, center, and rear surrounds and unbalanced to the side surrounds and sub.

5. How warm does the unit get?
I've got mine in a closed up cabinet, and with a couple inches above it and an SMS-1 on top of it (just in front of the vents), the air right above the vents could get over 100F. I've re-arranged a bit and removed the SMS-1 from directly on top, and it's back to staying in the mid-90's or lower. I consider it to be pretty cool running.

6. Is the phono pre amp decent quality?
I've not used it, but if I remember comments from others it's apparently pretty decent.

As for Outlaw in general, they are very serious about their customer service. Customer satisfaction is really important to them, all the way from the top of the company on down. The agents who handle the phones are very knowledgeable about their products and about setting up systems in general. There are some other Canadians around here who can offer some thoughts on shipping fees and other border-related hassles.