SMPPS is basically no variance, unless the pool experiences significant bad luck streaks without any good luck streaks to rebuild the buffer. I will set the initial buffer to 500 BTC. Details on the buffer will be visible on the stats page if this is the system we end up using.
What does that means?
The pool starts with 500BTC buffer (you are going to provide the BTC) OR the first 10 rounds don't get payed?
If you plan to provide 500BTC ... i would say it's a bad idea ... start the pool with 0 buffer and let the "fortune" to fill it.
It means I would provide 500 BTC so the pool has a sufficient buffer to start. If the pool had good luck and built up some good luck after the switch I would slowly pull out the initial funds used to start the buffer.
I've not yet posted the poll. I've been working overtime this week so I only have a few hours each night to get any other work done. I have been in conversations with some of our oldest (and some of the largest) miners at BTC Guild before I open up any polls.