Hi, Brian:
Sure, optical coupling and control is not too magical, and I'm sure
that that sort of control will become more popular in the future - but the
conventional thru-hulls are really no-brainers and cheap like borscht - so
I think they will be the preferred flavor for some time . .you have to go
thru with life support anyhow, so may as well add a couple of electricals!
Phil Nuytten