Paul exaggerates, of course. There are a few hills - it crosses the Chilterns and touches the Cotswolds. But less than 2000m climbing in total and the final 50km or so is virtually flat, giving a reasonably fast run-in as the light fades. So rather easier than Paul's own Anfractuous, probably on a par with Willy Warmer.
VERY few finish this ride in daylight - the clocks have gone back then, so it is dark by 5 (sunset at about 4:25 IIRC - it says on the entry form). Equally few take the full time for it - one or two riders who make a habit of this, and once a rider who had set out at silly o'clock from London to make this part of a longer perm (before the days of ECE).
Because of the start location there are indeed only 2 intermediate controls, at Waterperry and Chipping Norton. So yes, the Q Gardens control is gone. I can't say I'll mourn its passing. From reports it was appreciated by the riders, but from the organiser's standpoint it was a nightmare. I was very grateful to MattC and Iddu who have helped out there in past years.
I've marked on the routesheet all the places where refreshments may be purchased en-route.