For what it's worth, CK, I haven't watched any anime from the past 4 years with the notable exceptions of "Anime based on RPGs" (Tales of the Abyss, Valkyria Chronicles, Shining TearsXWind), Gurren Lagann, and Code Geass after hearing people tear it to shreds in the Anime topic to such an extent that I -had- to see the trainwreck. Gurren Lagann was notably the only one I enjoyed for its intended merits.
I was also under the impression that it was fairly well-known.
Casting? Niu as Boota is the only one that feels right.