2 questions - flash and batter pack

Hi everyone, just two questions here :

1 - Has anyone bought the Q-Flash shoe mount flash and was DISsatified with it? If so, why?

2 - I have a 430EX currently that I am combining with the 17-55 2.8 Canon (used Tamron 17-50 2.8 for the past 4 years, but just got the Canon this past Thursday. ) and I would like to add an external batter pack for this. I do event photography in the evenings and in bars (dark settings) and often take 200+ photos each time. However, I only do this about 3-4 times a year. So I don't want to spend a ton of money for a professional set up.

Basically I am trying to weigh the pros and cons of purchasing a Q-Flash first though.

Well apparently the 430 doesn't accept an external batter supply, so just interested in feedback on the Q-Flash right now.

Well, I've only heard that the Q-flash does not work well with products other than Quantum. I do not have first hand experience just yet, but if you are wanting to save on $$ and you don't move your flash around much at these events, you might consider something that innovatronix makes. $135.00 for an external power cord that will plug into a Canon Speedlite and power it all night as long as there is a place to plug it in.

If you are still only interested in the Q-flash, I have a friend that uses one on his Nikon speedlites. He seems to be very happy with it.

I looked at the innovatronix, but I need a portable battery that I can plug the flash into and wear on my waist. I don't think that one does it? I saw it mounted on the flash stand.

580EX II with a CP-E4 or generic version is easiest.