Looks like it was made in May 2000

Yep May 2000 it is. The only one of the three fluorescents inside the home that was replaced. The F20 and F40 were still original (I guess proving that RS outlasts IS, even magnetically ballasted IS).

Especially in a bathroom, I got through a set of bulbs a year in my F32T8 instant start bathroom light since it's frequently switched.

Especially in a bathroom, I got through a set of bulbs a year in my F32T8 instant start bathroom light since it's frequently switched.

Yeah programmed start is much better in that application.

Although I find that delay annoying...rapid start is best, it lets your eyes adjust over a couple seconds and has decent lamp life.

I like the start-up delay. Instant-Start is too boring.

Yeah but even programmed start is always the same. I actually like rapid start the best, it has relatively long lamp life and is visually easy on you when turned on. (Unlike many lighting enthusiasts, I hate "blink happy" preheat fluorescents, especially rooms lit with multiple PL13s). My favorite instant-start though would undoubtedly be the F96T12 slimlines though, they still have MUCH more character than anything electronic, with their THUMP when turned on, etc.

I prefer programmed start to instant start because it's easier on the lamps, though I prefer magnetic IS to electronic PS. Yeah I can't really decide between preheat and RS. I like both in certain types of fixtures. Depends on the fixture style and sometimes the application for me. I love watching a bunch or preheaters start at once but if it's just one or two fixtures I prefer RS. This fixture had the THUMP when turned on too. The ballast was pretty quiet otherwise though and even the thump was rather quiet. I just knew to listen for it.