We do expect a great deal of optimization between now and the final version, but it is virtually impossible to make any accurate estimate of just how much faster it will be.
Ultimately you have the chance here to work with and learn the TG2 system and perhaps also get some good renders out of it in the process. The alternative is to simply wait and start from scratch when the final is released. I would say then it would be better to experiment and learn now and simply lower your expectations to a more realistic level, taking into account the state of the application as a "preview".
It may be that you simply can't reasonably expect to use TG2 as a stand-in for TG 0.9 at this time *for your purposes*. Print resolution is something I would agree TG2 is not particularly good with at this time, but this will be improved in many regards. The real question is whether the final release will be appropriate for your needs and I feel confident saying that it will be.
The bottom line on all of this is that you're working with a Technology Preview. It is capable of being used for production, which has already been proven by several companies, but the intention of this release is not that it be specifically used for those purposes, and we make no warranty that it is suitable at this time for such. If you feel the render times and stability are acceptable for your uses, as many others seem to, then that's excellent and you can get a lot of value out of TG2 even in pre-release. On the other hand if you feel your needs are more demanding than the current release comfortably allows, the simple reality is you will have to wait for the final release to see if it truly meets your needs.
- Oshyan