On the strings side of things, I've tried 3 setups thus far:
1. Came with Mfil 16 at about 60 lbs. Hit like a board, cut it out after 2 hours.
2. NRG mains, SPPP crosses, both 17g. Much better, but still too stiff
3. SPPP mains, NRG crosses. Incredible difference. Pockets well, great power potential, very good control, good touch. Spin production is much better, but will be even better when I get the right combination of string and tension dialed in.
In all cases, the 500 T is a control, accuracy, powerful racquet. To me it isn't harsh at all, kind of a combination of stiff but dampened.