The Skareb Elite is wonderful. I'm a fan since my previous experience is with the Mars Super. They have been stiff, reliable and predictable. The action is smooth and they have enough adjustment to set the rebound and stuff to your weight.
Others I know on Mars Elite and Super have only said good things. I hear bad things about Rockshox so I think it is more about brand loyalty and perpetuating stories of some low-end Manitou or a problem long since fixed, etc.
In my personal experience, Manitou has been great. I don't know about other brands although a brief ride on a Rockshox SID race was very good too.