Thanks, everyone, for your sharing experience and opinions. It has to be remembered that any question on a forum like this will be answered with a variety of responses, the vast majority of which are valid, well-thought-out opinions. In a case like this, there is no consensus, and no one should expect one. It is, quite frankly, much like the chorus of voices already chirping in my head about this issue. I've had both sides of my internal debate reinforced, so I can just go ahead with the knowledge that there is no right answer and simply look for the best deal - ALL things considered - when I'm ready to lay the money down. Cheers!