Actually, the PTAB has quite a bit of experience in patent disputes, as does Judge Andrews. The CAFC will normally only hear the case if there is an excessive award or judicial error.
"the CAFC on appeal - those judges are at least reasonably competent to examine these complex issues." NOT SO....depends on the Judge on the pannel. There is a varring degree of IP expertise...Judge Chin(believe that's his name).We will not find out till the day of the hearing who will sit on the panel. Also there will be an appeal.