We know that the designs are quite different (blades vs poles). Unfortunately, Bruce's reply doesn't address the issue of tone. What differences to the frequency response, overdrive characteristics, dynamics, etc do these design differences result in, if any?

I have an L600 and an L500 but the inductances are 1.6 and 4.8H, respectively, and they are in very different guitars, so I can't answer any of these questions.

I'm really looking forward to reading Bill's forthcoming writings about his various pickup designs!