But some people just cannot do without that last 10 or so degrees of 80+ degree ultrawides and then choices are rather limited.
I don't see the need for anything over a 70 degree field as the very edge of field of ultrawides is very difficult to see without pressing your eyeball against the lens and/or getting blackout & kidney beaning.
I personally think the XWs are a winner. Funny thing is that I took a lot of convincing because when I tried one of Geoff's XLs last year I found it really hard to look through; prone to blackout. All I needed to do is adjust the eyecup.
Now I'm finding them the most comfy EPs ever once adjusted. Goes to show you trying EPs at star parties is not always all it's cracked up to be.
And like John B says, you don't appreciate the more subtle but important aspects from the quick looks you take at such events.