Where in the Pilot's App can you find information about the Firmware version your Inspire is using and also the Controller Firmware. I was told when I ordered my Inspire, that I would not have to bother with this because my order was sent well after the firmware was released. Naturally I would like to check this as I go through all the pre flight preparations for a new user.

Glad you checked here my friend! Whoever told your order was the latest Firmware was wrong. You have to update the Controller and Inspire before you fly it. There are Tutorials on Youtube that will walk you through the process.

Actually that depends on which version of firmware is installed. My dealer, US Hobby, advised me to absolutely NOT update to version  1.2.0.17, as it has some documented bugs that has caused some problems. My Inspire was built on March 2nd, and has the previous firmware version, 1.2.0.16. I did no updates at all and it has flown absolutely reliably.  I would not update to the latest version, as there is another update in beta than will be released soon. You can see the version in the pilot app under "aircraft state"

.17 runs fine...

.17 works ok, does have some gps drop out issues so being able to fly in attitude mode and within line of sight is mandatory.

That is true but people were having just as many dropouts with .16.  Some birds flew fine some didn't  but I myself would not risk running .16 if something does happen to your bird that could be under warranty I see Dji blaming the issue on outdated firmware.