I'm doing similar to Steve this year using 4 flex strips. Also treating RGB as highlights and somewhat experimental.
I think it will work out nicely. Sure is an easier way to do an arch. Those flex strips are insanely bright, but somwhat directional, both in light distribution and in flexibility ... which is the main concern. I am encasing mine in clear tubing, just to achieve a more linear bend and better light distribution ... then zip tying that to 1/2" sch40 EMT conduit in slightly greater than 4m lengths ... rebar ends, maybe a support line or two in the middle as needed.
I can tell you that after wrapping mini lights onto PVC extensively in 2010 ... I think this will be much easier. The look and how it compares ... hmm, only time will tell. I'm thinking of setting it up in LSP 2.0 as groups and that will make programming a little more conventional, but still able to use pixel control if desired.
To me, the flex strips were the most retail-ready TM1804 product I have seen this year ... and really are amazing to look at with the TM1804 test controller from Ray. Like I said, REALLY bright and vivid colors.
I think if we eventually could form (n channel) groups in the SSC firmware and utility ... that the use of these could be simplified a bit on the software side.