I figured out how to use the float, today. The manual doesn't explain it at all. Kept shoving the lever forward, but it wouldn't engage. Finally gave it a really firm, stiff push and it stayed. This is a function that will come in really handy.
I use it considerably when I'm clearing snow - also setting it in float mode works great for back dragging dirt or snow or gravel.
Do you put anything on the bucket edge when clearing snow?
Did some more thinking about that deflector chute while mowing today. I'm going to flip the hinges, that will allow it to open fully, and be up out of the way. I'm also going to add a spring assist to it, a coil twist style over a shaft. May not get to it until winter, so for now I'm going to shim the bump stops to keep it open a bit more. One of my problems with it is the grass coming out sort of windrows, instead of spreading out.
If I could get the chute to flip up to vertical, it would solve my problem, but the hinge is welded to the chute and the hinges are what stops it from going vertical.