I have a 6 speed Brompton in raw lacquer. I agree the Bike Friday Tikit is a very good bike but it still does not fold as compactly as the Brompton. The Tikit has a slightly faster fold/unfold but you are perhaps talking about a difference of 10 seconds.

My opinion is the 6 speed gearing option increased the versatility of the bike. The new wider spaced gearing will be a minor improvement rather than anything major. I have very strong views on the weight savings gained by using titanium and/or 2 gears. They are very marginal weight savings to say the least. I use a rear Dynamo with the standing light (built in capacitor for when you're stationary) and find it very useful. There is a front Son hub option too but I think the premium you have to pay for it is too expensive.

I would definitely recommend the front luggage carrying option with a bag of your choice and the inclusion of a rear carrier with eaziwheels. The practicality and usefulness of these features far outweighs the modest weight additions. You can roll the Brompton along on the eazilwheels with the bike folded but the handlebars up. In other situations carrying the Bromptons short distances is easy enough as it latches so well together when folded.

I prefer the position of the traditional M type but that is much more of a subjective issue and based on personal preference.