[quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1421973866' post='2667426']
Not at all. I'm just saying that the various iterations don't have that much in common beyond the name on the headstock and the body shape.
[/quote]
Well, it's evolution I guess.
I can't really help the OP much. I have a 2012 Non-reverse Thunderbird and I suspect you're only talking about Reverse bodied Thunderbirds here. Therefore I'm out for questions 1 and 2.
3. I don't find it one dimensional - it's a two pickup bass. Solo one or the other you're going to get different tones. Furthermore, I have had three basses with TB+ pickups in them and what I have found is that more often than not they have been plug in and play basses in the live context, very little fussing with EQ other than a bit of mid emphasis (sad face graphic) to get a usable tone you can hear along with the rest of the band.
4. They do seem a bit "long" to me. I don't have an issue with that. That's because the bridge isn't near the bottom of the body, so everything's a bit to the left as you hold it. The NR is probably worse for this than the Reverse. Whether or not it's a problem for you, only you can tell when you try to play one.
5. Today's Reverse Thunderbird nut width is 1.5" (38mm) - Jazz bass territory. NR neck is thicker - 1.6" (40.6mm).