worth it at $1500? i haven't seen it yet, but via pics and talkng to the owner, it seems good so far. http://bham.craigslist.org/for/2761400926.html
Yep flat nose trailers are a drag I have the same basic trailer I use for work and new it cost 2k so i would say yes. Problem is that flat nose is going to catch so much wind you will likely have to drop a gear just to pull it unless you have a good towing rearend.
I'd agree with the V-nose comment, but I've heard some awesome things about barn doors compared to ramp doors. This is a nice thread on the WERA board comparing barn doors to ramp doors. I was ramp devotee until I read this thread. Now I'm looking for barn doors. http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?t=276554&highlight=barn+doors
Welded or screwed together? You can check this by going inside and looking at the joints where the walls meet the ceiling. There's usually a gap there so you can see the beams. Hint: Welded is better.