My interpretation Verheiden's comments regarding the "time travel" issue, is that he said he "preferred" not to handle the telling of Barnabas's history through time travel, but that Curtis was still pushing for it to be handled in his traditional way. So, it seemed to me that this decicision was still up in the air. Perhaps I misinterpretted.
Also, I seem to remember some interview with somebody (Verheiden?), where it was suggested they might tell Barnabas's history through memories and flashbacks, rather than actually having someone (Vicki) go back in time. Had this been the case, then the casting concerns remain.
Additionally, even if they had told the entire initial (Barnabas/vampire) storyline without any flashbacks, memories, or time travel, they would have moved on to other story-arcs (Quentin for instance) where this decision would need to be pondered again.
Somehow, I can't imagaine a successful incarnation of Dark Shadows with no time travel stories, EVER. Especially if the show had been successful and ran for seven or eight years.
As I mentioned, I could be wrong about this. Just my interpretation of what I have heard and read. And admittedly, the information flow was sketchy.
So, I guess my point is -- I would still be concerned (for the same reasons) about Hu's casting.