I bought mine on QVC after Christmas blow out
I got the 8qt model and the optional stainless Steel insert.
Mine doesn't start counting down the cooking time until it reaches pressure. So if I set it for 30 minutes cooking, it cooks for 30 minutes under pressure. Then you make the decision based on the item inside if you let it naturally come back down, or vent the pressure.
Neither of these aspects bother me that much when I am using the "set and forget" delay and keep warm function. The pot is programmed to start the cycle a few minutes early so that it actually starts cooking at the programmed time, and the keep warm function allows for natural release of pressure, hence it is ready to open and serve when I need it.
Large items, like roast, usually benefits from the natural release, whereas items like vegetables will benefit from a quick release, venting.
My seal is inside a wire spider that snaps to the lid. It's approximately 3/4 of an inch thick silicon, and holds it's shape very well in the sink, even removed from the spider while washing. It would never go down the disposal unless forced through the hole.