Thanks Mike. Luckily the grime on knobs and body is commonly due to our body oils by touching it; luckily most of such grime we create can easily be washout out with just regular soap and water. I do the same, soak in soap, to save labor; another item that helps is warm water. If you have one handy, a burst with ultrasonic cleaner will loosen anything further.
Always good to see a well made device. The scope is made in Malaysia too isn't it? It lists for about $12K US, has the price changed markedly in all that time?