Wow, this forum is the best thing since sliced bread! Thank you everyone for your input! I have to say that I agree with the latter posts, in that the gearing is the main deciding factor -- this is the reason for building this bike to begin with: 10%+ hills in my neck of the woods. Initially I chose this crankset because I couldn't find any cheaper options for 48/36, but have since found a few (Sugino is top contender for competition with this Dia-Compe Ene Ciclo, for me at the moment). Glad to hear that there aren't any horror stories of these differently-designed rings, or with 3-pin designs in general. That was my main fear and reason for posting.

So, beyond the gearing choices, it sounds like it's mostly an aesthetic difference. (Still grateful for any input anyone may want to share!)