Add me to the list... brewed a 6 gallon batch yesterday trying to stick the recipe as best as possible. LHBS didn't have the German Ale Yeast (claiming it may be seasonal), so I used Wyeast Kolsch. I thought about doing a starter, but decided to just activate the yeast pack and go with it (due to this being a low gravity beer and from reading I only need 50-100 billion cells). Also, they didn't have Wheat DME so I used LME. I used a vanilla bean I had soaking in vodka for 6 or 7 weeks (about an ounce or so). Depending on the taste at bottling, I may add a bit more. Also, used 1oz Tettnang at flame out (a bit of a mistake, but I do like hop aroma).
Measured Original gravity and got 1.044... right on target from what BeerSmith said. I started with about 4 3/4 gallons, but after the steeping and 60 minute boil I had to top up with probably 3+ gallons. Anyhow, within 12 hours it was fermenting away and I'm seeing pretty good activity in the air lock.
I plan on doing the 1-2-3 method, however, I don't normally rack to a secondary... so might just keep it in the primary for 2 weeks as usual then keg it.
Hopefully it goes well!
Cheers!