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Mick,
You are asking a very good question...
I have two reflectors...an 8 inch GSO (Bintel) and a 12.5 inch Discovery.
My personal thought is that most people most of the time won't see much difference...assuming it is a "good" example of the GSO mirror (there are some variances I've heard of)
I mean that there are other factors that will likely influence performance more critically that are within the users control that unless they have the skill and experience they will never get to take adantage of the high end mirror...
I'm probably a good example...I get my colimation "close", I get my scope "nearly" ambient, I stroll ini and out of the house while I am viewing getting "almost" light adapted...etc.
Yes, I prefer looking through the Discovery... I think it "looks" better...is it the mirror quality, the mirror size, the position of the eyepiece, vanity??? Probably a bit of it all...but I have found nothing wrong with the GSO scope...
Mechanically, I much prefer the Discovery but in terms of optics viewing from my backyard (remember I'm really a pretty inexperienced observer) other than size, I don't think there is a wide difference between them really...
Assuming that the performance of the GSO is 95% as good (pick a number) and my limited skill/experience the extra money for a high end mirror could probably be better spent...I liken this to buying a primary school band violinist a Stradivarious (spelling)...yes, they can play it but not push it to it's potential...
So, my advice (combined with $5 will get you a fine cup of coffee)...
Unless you are looking for someone who is or will become a highly proficient, capable and consistant observor, I'd save the money...the GSO scopes that I have used and seen are very good values for the money...
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