I'm a bit confused.
I've re-read thread and the github page but couldn't find an answer for this:
When is a domain name definitely tied to a namecoin address?
after ./namecoind name_new ?
or after ./namecoind name_firstupdate ?
how much does each of those actions cost?
name_new & name_update costs 0.01 namecoins.
name_firstupdate costs 45,27 namecoins and reserves the name for you.