Okay, I've lived with it for a few days and here is what I think:
1. It won't dress up to black tie standards [black corduroy might but not the brown]
2. It works well for less formal evening wear.
3. It can be worn during the day but is probably too formal for casual day wear [but I'm going to wear it anyway]
4. Seems odd the folks that thought it looked German...its definitely Mandarin/Nehru [to my eye]

The look has grown on me...I feel quite comfortable in the jacket and confidence is key, I think. So, for the time being this is my look...love it? hate it? its all cool as far as I'm concerned. Thanks for the feedback guys, I appreciate all the replies.
Rondo