It is looking good so far.
My Pit Boss vertical has a water pan, I used to put water in it, and it was just a mess, so I fill it with oil dry, I can scoop out the clumps. The folks one the interweb seem to say it is there for temp stabilization, I don't seem to understand that, as I thought that is what the controller was for. My propane Cabelas vertical has one in also, which is odd as propane leaves off moisture from the burn.
I have not done a brisket in years, I am the only one that will eat it here, and I have no friends to feed, I know some folks that would come and help eat it up, but they aren't my favorite people. So I have a few BBQ places that make pretty good brisket and I will get it when I go to them.
Cant wait to see the finished product.