Vic embodies Kirk magnificently. I hope he plays the part for a good long time.
Likewise. He's also aging pretty gracefully. I think he's got several years before the difference between his and TOS-era Shatner's appearance becomes striking.
As for STC "poaching" actors from Phase II, it's hardly surprising that actors who really like Star Trek would be open to working on other such productions.
There's one shot in this episode where Kirk smiles at McCoy's torturing where Vic REALLY looks like Shatner.
Another really good episode from Star Trek Continues. The work by all involved continues to be amazing.