I understand that everything is done with a budget, but if the block had threads then all the performance users in this forum would be happy and instead of complaining about the tiny tubing we could just put some more substantial fittings on it and carry on. That is what I did with an Innovatek block that I got and I don't hold it against the block that it came with 8mm fittings at all.
As far as the utility of larger tubing goes, I think most of us realize that when a block and the radiator and the pump are all tuned for optimum performance that the actual flow rate is not that important. But the Hayden is fairly restrictive of flow and the 1/4" ID tubing is going to hold things up a lot. It would be interesting to see the results with your waterblock and: a larger pump, 1/2" ID tubing, and a way to adjust the flow rate. I would be interested to see where the stock setup (0.2-0.5 GPM I am guessing?) falls in the grand scheme of things.
I think it makes sense to use a high flow block that will be close to optimum performance in the 0.5 GPM range because an Eheim 1048 is much more compact and 3/8" ID tubing is certainly easier to fit into a midtower. As far as 1/4" ID tubing goes I would rather use a smaller pump and 3/8 or 1/2 tubing than a larger pump and 1/4 to get the same flow rate personally.
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