For me, it simply wasn't clear how to get the laser down without opening the doors. It's clear now, the second time. I didn't see it. I think that's where the problem was. When wondering why "X" was needed, it's best to find out why "X" wasn't apparant.

When lots of people find solutions other than using element X and then wonder why X was needed, it's clear they're not finding a clever solution, but that the intended use of X isn't clear.
I'd be happy with leaving in some of these fling solutions if it didn't then mean players don't understand the reason for the laser.

While I see what you were getting at with the change, I think allowing for a creative solution a la andyb and mine is perfectly acceptable as it doesn't really break the puzzle in any specific way. That said, you did make the laser more/ obvious and I appreciate that.

...although, I think bringing back some non-white surfaces would be a good idea from a design perspective. I think it looked better with some gray and white in there.

UPDATES:
-Lots more white surfaces
-Removed a few more false solutions

..and no, I didn't. I portaled the side of the wall, and used the jump. It speeds you up enough to get to the corner where the cube comes down. If that's not how you're supposed to do it, how do you get the laser down for the catcher?

I wrote that right after finishing, so I doubt it. Let me look.

Doc, did you use andyb's solution to catch the cube? (ie using an older version of the map) or did you do something else?

I really like this. I found 5 better, but this is challenging, and interesting. I like forcing portals between levels here. Diabolical.

THe laser catcher on the first floor - is that a red herring, or necessary? I saw what it did, but solved without using it.

UPDATE:
-Removed andyb's solution

My playthrough
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYTVjNVLmPs&feature=youtu.be

Yay!

Much better now!

UPDATE:
-Removed moving platform
-Tidied up indicator strips
-Altered positioning of cube dropper to make it more obvious a carefully timed fling isn't the correct solution

Ditto on the moving platforms. I don't feel like a double-platform mechanic where failure is instant death is all that fun. I died plenty just trying to launch myself to the cube. Also, I LOL'd when I jumped on the aerial faith plate thinking it would throw me up to the second floor platform to catch the cube ... but instead slammed unexpectedly into the ceiling. That was great.

Good puzzle but I get the sense that if you make a mistake later on you'd have a painful backtrack. I died about three times trying to get the cube before I realized the solution, and without saves even failure that close the start was a little frustrating.

There are a multitude of ways to obtain the cube. What was your way?

I didn't use the first laser catcher for anything. Either it's a distraction or it's possible to complete the chamber in an unintended way.

Updated with rearrangements to the first laser catcher. Hopefully more obvious what the intended solution to catching the cube is.

very fun!

A brilliant chamber with great thought behind it!

No fling is actually necessary to 'catch' the cube at the start. You can stand on the ground level and let it fall into your hands safely

I found it pretty good, not too difficult, not too easy, a good middle-ground. One thing though - at the bit at the beginning with the faith plate and the cube, there's about three different places to put the "out" portal and only one of those will a) get you to the cube fast enough and b) not kill you in the process. If you signposted the place to put the portal a bit clearer, it'd be a bit better.

Still, it's an excellent test chamber!