Did the update, and initial observations are bolder and clearer fonts (which rendered all the font options usable -- finally!) and slightly quicker turns. I have not had any problems with the Nook, not even with the page freezing though I use the touchscreen function for page turns, so the update was not very exciting.
See photos for pictures of font rendering. Please note that the sun shifted while I was updating as it is noon here, so the brightness is not necessarily attributed to the Nook (I can't tell the difference in contrast).
There was an improvement I never thought would appear; the Nook (strangely! finally!) asking if I want to go to last synced page on that ONE sideloaded book which never managed to keep its bookmark. I'm not sure if it was a bug just on my Nook for that ONE book on the previous updates, but it works now and I'm happy.
The new update killed my previous line alignment... Then again, it probably is because the font is bolder now, which gives the appearance of a closer line alignment. The next option up separates the lines a tad bit too much, which I do not fancy as well.
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p/s: Ok after I typed all the happy things, I was switching books on the Nook to check if the sideloaded book can still keep its bookmark/last read page, and it told me that the Activity Reader is busy and to either wait or force close it.
Never had this problem, hope it is a one-off!