I do like the idea of the controllable pumps , as I found it very handy to fine tune a good head as well the slow start is a nice feature, but there are also things I don't like either ,so I didn't go dc for my new skimmer either I went the other way.
I def agree get something adequate from the start regardless of the name or style.
One feature that is a must have for me on most any skimmer is a large cup , I hate small cups
