Since I was on the list for the "temporary workaround", I got email on Friday evening describing it:
1. Go down to your GTG office (there are three: Seattle, Bellevue, and Gig Harbor) and ask them to put you on the "Problem windshield pilot program". They are supposed to check your windshield
2. If the handheld scanner happens to work when they try it (sometimes it does with metalized windshields, sometimes it doesn't), they will sell you a Flex Pass and you are on your way. When the scanner fails to read it, too bad for you, you will get charged the full toll by mail with no notice and no way to have it reversed.
3. If the handheld scanner doesn't work, they will sell you a license plate pass (I asked about a motorcycle pass, and was told no way - though another employee said somebody had gotten one earlier).
4. They will also, at some unspecified point in the future, send some paperwork where you swear not to lie.
5. Every time you drive in the 405 HOT lanes, you will get tolled
6. It is on you to ask them to reverse the toll - every time you go as a carpool. You have to wait up to 5 hours for the toll to show up. You have to ask within 45 days.
I spent almost 4 hours this afternoon going down there. Fortunately the people at the counter weren't familiar with the program so they didn't test my windshield, they just sold me a license plate pass and told me they'd email me the paperwork when they get it. So, why did I have to go down there? At least I met Nick, who was there for the same thing.