It's great to log on and look at the development of this thread.
I agree completely that we should avoid getting into a brand bashing contest.
Far from it I would like to see as much performance data as possible, from as many sources as possible and hopefully accurate! so that we can all draw our own conclusions.
I think any engine that has survived the evolutionary process is worthy of a close look at regardless of origin. But having said that I also think we would be foolish to ignore the up and coming alternatives.
I cut my teeth on Lycomings and Continentals and I am also an admirer of these power plants.
We are in a different position here in SA in that ALL our choices are imported, therefore cost plays a very important part and would perhaps help to explain why we generally are probably more receptive to other options.
Thanks for the great forum and please keep those opinions coming!