Hi Richard,
welcome to IIS
I'll try to answer your questions, and doubtless other people will offer their views too. Here goes ...
1) The rigidity of the Meade Lightbridge and the Skywatcher design are both ok. I have the 12" Meade LB and the only difference between these designs and a solid tube type is that you have to align (collimate) the optics quickly before you view. It takes a few moments and is something you'll have to learn.
2) They're both as accurate as each other, - both are tried and tested designs. The Skywatcher (I don't have one of these) simple compacts for storage or transport, whereas if room is a problem with the Meade, you have to take it apart and put it back together (followed by a quick alignment of the optics).
3) There may be a slight loss of light and therefore image quality. What we usually do is put a black shroud around the truss (the sticks !) and this then simulates a full tube model.
4) The Skywatcher I believe has a primary mirror (the big one down the bottom) made of pyrex, which they claim isn't affected by temperature variations in the same way that the meade glass is. I've heard people say you should still have a cooling fan fitted though. So wait until some Skywatcher owners have offered a comment before making your mind up on this point.
Hope this all helps Richard. Above all have fun, and be prepared to empty your wallet, as this hobby is and endless list of bigger and better toys
Cheers
