I have the HM 796 and I also run the closed loop with the sensors and the Optimizer. However i also run the Autotune because i don't want to be stuck with a particular tuners idea of the correct map. Any reflash is nothing more than a different map. Who's the tuner? Where is he? What is his altitude? Does he tune for max power or does he tune for rideability? Is his reflash a map from Ducati or did he actually make the map himself? No one knows the answer and there is no way to find out.
The Autotune is a patch for people with restricted access to a dyno.
Any dyno made map is better than the autotune. Do you often ride your Hyper all the way to the redline so that your autotune learn and gather enough data to make a decent map for all your rpm range ?
Unless you switch your PCV on learning mode while you're on a track, an Autotune on the road will most likely create you an incomplete map.
To answer your question is a matter of great debate on this forum. Does somebody actually make a good reflash map where the closed loop is supposed to be? They swear they do....but i have my doubts. My opinion isn't worth much....but i tend to believe all that rough running under 3k can't be fixed by anybody. It's a Ducati and that's what they do. Huge throttle bodies...big cams.... = rough running under 3k. That's what Ducati's do.
The main point of a reflash is not to get the perfect air/fuel ratio with a custom map, but rather getting rid of the closed loop and use that freshly reflashed ECU as a starting point.
Most of the time the new map is a copy paste of the DP ECU profle, without the o2 sensors in the case of the Siemens electronics. Nothing more.
I've never seen a Ducati that can do a steady and smooth 10mph in first gear. Most can't do a smooth and steady 20mph without bucking and jerking. No HM 796 can pulll off from a dead stop without a lot of clutch lever and throttle expertise. If you say this fact on this forum.....the snobby Ducatista will say...why the hell do you ride at 10mph? Or 20mph? You should have bought a Honda.
Ducati says your idle speed should be set to 1350 to 1400 rpm. Hondas and any other Jap bike since the 60's idle at 900 to 1100 rpm.
So my conclusion is ...you're stuck with a 12k bike that runs like shit under 3k no matter what you do. It's a Ducati.
I rode many Ducs that were smooth under 3k and totally ridable at low speed in traffic.
If yours isnt with a reflashed ECU and a PCV, you have a problem with your map.
That said, for the price of a reflashed ECU + PC + map or autotune, I would seriously consider a Microtec.