Hi Malcolm.
The reasoning behind a refractor was based on a few very simple reasons which in themselves are not negative against reflectors but rather just lie on the refractor side of the fence. (and only "just" at that).
This will be a lifetime investment for me. I don't plan on being able to afford much more in the next ten years.
Having closed optics l won't have to clean a mirror, ever. Not that newtonians need cleaning that much, but fracs just don't have that need.
Collumnation. Very, very little versus a reflector.
Form over function. I prefer the look of fracs over any other scope. It won't be sitting out for public view as a "look at me" statement but rather tucked away in the corner of a cupboard or room staying crisp and fresh for the next clear night. It looks like a scope should look though. I won't be looking at a big frac wishing l had a big reflector. I would however wish l had a big frac if there was anything else perched on the mount.
Transport. Fits my campervan better than a big newt.
These are very personal choices. I nearly got a 250 newt but decided it would be to unwieldy on a eq mount.
I want an eq mount so in future l can add motor drives for tracking. Don't like the idea of goto electronics. All electronics will fail eventually, especially if left outside for hours in the cold night. So the less elecs the better.
Dobs are ugly, don't track of one axis and need flat ground. Where l travel to does not always have flat ground and a frac, even a 10kg one, would be way more portable than anything else in my budget.
So, a rather holistic approach to my decision. One that ticks all my boxes and not someone elses.
I know it's not the best scope but l do know it will make me smile for a long time to come and that's got to be worth something.
Cheers.
Red_Dog.
edit. I see you're in Colac, l was born in Colac.