If you had to trim it to three tripods (say one large heavy one, one light-ish everyday one, and a compact model), which would you keep? And, say, one Monopod?

Yes they should - with bells on to give the birdies a had start! But let's not go there - gorgeous shot!

What's not to love about it?

I too love brussel sprouts! I wouldn't even attempt to take a picture of something so challenging PERIOD let alone with a DA55-300mm. In general use (inanimate objects) I found the DA55-300mm extremely obstinate in it's focussing, so for me, manual focus was a better option and with focus peaking, and the much improved liveview on the K30, I would have thought the lens would be quite usable for general photography. As for airshow photography, I guess we'll have to wait for someone to actually try it! To be fair through the lens MF is probably better for airshows though...

I guess that would reduce the available moisture in the air, and reduce fungus growth?

I've read a lot of comments suggesting the spores are actually all over the place, and a second hand lens will surely contain them. They key is avoiding the conditions that promote the fungus growth. I wonder if those leather pouches have a bad rep simply because they reduce ventilation and potentially trap humidity, as well as providing the darkness which fungus seems to like?

I've also read a lot of comments suggesting daylight/UV light will treat a very light fungus infestation, albeit there will be dark nooks within the lens which will remain unaffected. A vacuum seems a good idea but not very practical!

I thought this lens worked best in manual focus. The ideal body would be the K30, IMHO - focus peaking!

I shoved the lens in the glove compartment out of sight while parked in a dodgy area. Unfortunately I never remembered to retrieve it until a month or so later when I went in there for something else! Its only an old manual lens but a good one so I'm going to try and prevent the fungus progressing.

Another reason you shouldn't leave lenses in the car is the extreme high temperatures you can get (maybe not this summer!)

I sometimes wonder if tea tree oil might help prevent fungus taking hold (on top of the other things like a dry well ventilated environment etc). Sadly one of my lenses (a sigma 24mm) seems to have early signs of fungus, after stupidly leaving in the glovebox and forgetting about it for months. Have been leaving it on a window ledge but so far this week, not much sunlight though! Considering making a box for it with silica gel crystals and a cheap UV lamp, to try and kill the infection. Perhaps some tea tree oil in there would help too?

I didn't spot that. Sure looks like the middle of the day though!