Chris,
The kikuyu around the greens replaced the mix of couch tongue at the front then a ring of rye - all with the kikuyu coming up within ten yards of the front of the greens.
The look was awful and I dont really think it plays so much differently now than it did. Of course its not ideal - Barnbougle with the fescue is the ideal model in Australia - but I think it is better than the alternatives up in Sydney.
There are lots of places where you can chip with a variety of clubs - but you don't really want to be landing them in the fringes of kikuyu.
Normal speed for Australian Open greens has always been what it is because the greens at the majority of our best courses are much different from those at The Lakes. I don't think they need to be as quick because they pose different problems - but they need to be firmer as you said.
Obviously the weather in the final weeks is the determining factor.