Hey Chris, good to know you are going to a store for a look. Of course they may not have any really big scopes (12" plus) but it should give you an idea. Best bet is to get along to a club night or star party. The Snake Valley astro camp near Ballarat is only a month away and I will be there and I am sure there will be other bigger scopes. Paddy should be there with his 16" and maybe others. The thread for the camp is here
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=71024
All of us would be happy to show you the views through our scopes to help you make the right decision.
You are right, all other things being equal, bigger is better, but the best scope is the one that gets used!