Hi Floyd,
I have had my MX for about one year. I haven't regretted buying it at all.
I was one of the Australian owners who had a faulty worm. Once the problem was isolated SB replaced the worm block and it has be great ever since.
Even though I had to have the worm block replaced I still would buy another SB mount. It has not put me off in the slightest.
I hope SB has implemented better quality controls, so mounts don't go out with faulty worm blocks.
The software is not that buggy. As with any software there are problems but SB seem to resolve them quickly. There are regular daily builds.
There is quite a learning curve with Sky X as there is with any new software, but if I can learn how to use it any one can.
I don't use Maxim DL so I can't comment on that one.
You don't need PHD to guide, Sky X has its own built in guiding software. It is simple to use. ( Direct Guide via USB) wifi coming soon.
You can control your camera within Sky X.
Sky X is the only software I use to capture, guide and control the mount. It will also control my dome when I get around to doing that. For me this is really cool because that means I can run my whole setup on my Mac. I don't need three or four different apps with their own individual problems or a dedicated Windows PC.
Don't take my word for it though, It is a lot of money to hand over. Do your research and comparisons, see if you can organise with someone to have a look at theirs.
I have been able to achieve 10 mins unguided at a focal length of 2541mm.
Thats pretty awesome in my book.
Cheers
Phil