Fine subject for a thread my brothers & sisters. I think what would awaken even our tightass-bluegrass players to the beauty of 12 string was the music of the late great Gabby Pahinui and the recent work of his son Cyril. I have two Guild 12's: a 1967 f212 (retired) and an active duty 1976 f412SB. Both instruments are non-original-they have the imprint of artistic lutiers adding touches over the years. I use them any more to get inspiration when I'm in a writing slump because sometimes the subleties of a different sound in your ear can take you to pleasurable places indeed.
What I would recommend to those having tuning troubles on a good quality 12, is to spend some dough on your axe and get your saddle completely compensated. True, this is time consuming for the luthier to do correctly and will be reflected on the invoice he hands you, but you will nver regret this!
Aloha & malama pono