That's exactly what I did, there weren't too many videos out on the 1700s when I was looking a few months ago. The MF website has also been updated with some additional information on the AGCO engineering and support capabilities and more reference to their other brands than I've seen in the past (Fendt / Valtra / Challenger).
Fuel tank placement - unsure what type of protection there is, I'm sure MF would have designed some sort of a skid plate to protect the underside from damage. There is another make that suffers from heat damage due to placement of fuel tank too close to components that generate tremendous heat.
Electronic HST - years ago I wasn't a big fan of electronics, still have some reservations on its use but we have come a long way in ensuring the reliability of these types of systems. Most larger modern aircraft I have worked on are completely fly-by-wire, not many cables / push-pull rods in todays aviation. Aside from that I own a Dyna-QPS, a transmission that uses electronic shifting but has a proven track record for reliability. I can certainly appreciate the fact that the new capability to control HST response time would be a benefit. Not sure if it was because of the video or not but the new HST seemed extremely quiet, hopefully they have engineered the harmonics issue out of their new HST.
Cab version - I like the 1700 series cloth seat; sitting on a vinyl seat inside a cab just isn't as comfortable; petty I know but when you spend that kind of money I think a creature comfort or two is nice. Don't get me wrong, the cab is very quiet, the climate controls amazing and while the speakers could do with an upgrade the sound system is pretty darn good for a tractor.
Dash - looks interesting, difficult to tell from the videos I've watched to see in detail how they are laid out, I like the 1600 series lay out but I'm sure the new 1700 series will benefit from the same consideration from MFs engineering branch.
Tier IV - must say the new engine seems really quiet. As far as all the gobbly-gook to get there is concerned, when it comes to reliability over the long term, like the HST any newly engineered capability has significant testing before being released for use but it's only after being tested by us folks that it will earn the reputation for performance and reliability in the field. MF has a pretty solid reputation so I wouldn't be too concerned.
I am glad MF didn't change the style of their 1700 series from the 1600 series, they are a sharp looking tractor and for those of us vane enough to want to own something that looks sharp, that's important.