Hi Steve - I work for myself
The best thing anyone can say to you is to check out different eps if you can at all possibly do so!
There's no doubt that the comments people make about Pentax eps is valid: you can't argue with the stats - but there is an analogy with audiophiles here: the stats on frequency responses et al are amazing with some of the gear around, but the question allways has to be asked; does the individual have the capacity to pick up on some of the finer nuances delivered, and is there setting up to scratch to accomadate aforesaid?
With eps this involves not only the scope, but, as someone said in this forum, the limiting optics of your own two eyeballs (not to even begin to talk about average seeing conditions
!).
Having said that I've only recently purchased 2 new eps: an 11mm T6 Nagler and a Vixen LVW 17mm - mighty fine eps and I do appreciate them, moving (like you) from mainly GSO's. But those 2 set me back $700+ and someone might argue that I could've gotten close for much less than half - price.
This is not to disagree with anything anyone's said on this thread, but it is alllways horses for courses and I think the golden rule is try first if at all possible - just thought a cautionary "devil's advocate's" comment was worthwhile, regards, Darryl.