Mine is a different model, but it doesn't have a plastic hole cover. I just throw a towel over it to keep splatter off the ceiling.
Also - you know the reason they use those in smoothie shops?... BEcause they last FOREVER and ROCK and work SOOOOOO well!!!! I would TOTALLY get it!!!!
(ANd if you don't like it, you could always sell it on ebay & at least get back what you paid.)
I just looked at themodel- it IS just for drinks, though I'm sure it's powerful enough it would probably crush nuts and stuff too if that's what you want it for. Vitamixes are awesome. Also, that hole is small enough, you could just cover it w/your hand while you're blending.