Regarding the testing against X3, it's nothing new.
Last year they were testing against the X2.
That's what happens since Naish is releasing kites 6 months in advance of North.
Eventhough they were using the X2 last year, there are few similarities between Rhino2 and X2. I expect the same with Rhino3 and X3.
Due to the R&D lead time benefit that North has, they will always be ahead of the curve.
FYI - at Waddell Jaime was flying his Rhino3 12m prototype when others where using 8m and 10m kites. His lines were 20m.
One thing is for sure imo. When the Rhino3s get in production they will rock, same as Rhino2s and Rhino1s have been.