Yup, that thread (and the pictures from oscarcontrols) is what I based my decision on. Well, that and the knowledge that you're normally going to get a better picture from component over s-video.
I ended up getting the JVC AV27320 because Best Buy had it on clearance today. It was the floor model. They reduced the price of the tv to $210, and threw in the four year warranty, so it's a pretty good deal.
To answer my original question, that model at least (and the other JVC) does power back on to s-video or component in after power loss. I tried it at BB.
I'll probably start with s-video and play with the component hack (vs. getting the $45 dongle), and see what I get.
Thx,
Chris