Caught this topic a bit late, but if you want to understand the new Cylons, 1-12, read Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick (Blade Runner). It addresses the issue of sentience (SP?) and self awareness in an android. The similarities are fairly striking. In BR, the androids are virtually undetectable biologically (it is assumed) and the only means of detection is psychological. I think the Cylons are the same for the most part except those preprogrammed for a specific mission, such as #6 and the stowaway/prospector.
As to Starbuck being too manly, you only have to take a look at some career military females. They really have trouble surviving and advancing professionally in that male dominated world without adapting and becoming one of the boys. COL TIgh is probably that officer who's peaked career-wise and is fairly burnt out and ready for retirement; but has the skills and knowledge needed for the accomplishment of the mission.
All in all, it promises to be a great series, no silly story lines like gunfight at the OK Corral in space, with strong independent characters who don't always like or respect each other. I particularly like the lack of sound in space, coupled with Black Hawk Down-like music, heavy on the percussion, setting what I think is the proper martial tone for the battle sequences. Makes it a little more serious.
Just had to toss in my $.02 worth