I launch it via the .jnlp file. (I am on a mac of course) They call it the browser version, but it's the same code. It's just how your system accesses it. I downloaded the .jnlp file to my desktop and I luanch it from there. I never launch from the browser. The "platform" version is merely the same java code with a nice OS based installer. The way Macs handle Java, that is a moot point if you can download the .jnlp file.
I prefer it this way as you automatically get the updates... verses having to remember to download them, etc...
I've been using 871 when it was still beta on/off (alternating with 870) for the past wk w/o any problems.
I do note that upgrading from Java 1.5 to Java 1.6 seems to have introduced some general sluggishness -- perhaps the cache needs to be rebuilt. Can't be sure yet.
Adding java 1.6 doesnt require you to use it for TWS. I have 1.6 and 1.5 11 and just point the TWS command line at the javaw.exe in the 1.5 11 directory