I often use just the top three sections of my SLX and if this is the basis for the new pole from Gardiners then it's brilliant. (I have bought a ferrule "rubber foot" for it as well.)
Incidently Alex - if in a couple of years I just want to buy the top two or three sections for my SLX (as they're the ones I mainly use and will be more worn than the biggest two sections) is that something you can email me a price for?