As of yesterday, I can say I put my money where my mouth is on this debate. In 2002, I started with PW conventional and then some modern conventional but quickly started adding TMCC 1.0. I've been satisfied and even added an LC+ two years ago. Zero MTH/DCS in my stable until now.
I'm 100% semi/non-scale. No space for full 1:48.
I saw and ran my brother-in-law's MTH engines over the holidays and loved them. Then I saw Lionel's LC+ 2.0. $500 for Jr. Berk?! I have two Jr. Berks and have always felt their small size (19") is a distraction. They are nice models of the original but how can a Berk be my smallest steam, even in semi-scale?! The 726 model Berk isn't a close enough model of the real thing but just happens to have a 2-8-4 wheel arrangement. No way I'm laying out $500 for a Jr. Berk just to get a few extra lights and 4 chuffs per revolution. It's still just mini steam engine smaller than my traditional Pacific and even my traditional Ten Wheeler! It's killing me. 
So, short story long, I just bought three Imperial Rail King engines, one with PS2 from a forum member and two with PS3 from a forum sponsor (Mr. Muffin's Trains). Total outlay just a tad over $1,000.
The NKP Berk is 22" long and will be my biggest steamer (right along my Lionmaster Hudson) as it should be. Having seen the 765 in person, I have to insist on it being big.
For me, there was no question between the PS3 Berk and the LC+2 Jr. Berk. It was enough to get me to switch long-held loyalties.
