Rob, just wanted to add that I sold my Ryobi BT3000 to get the SS PCS in the shop ( I still miss the sliding table a little). My take is that for most users, the SS is in the same class as the PM and Uni. The Uni has a nicer changeover from dado to through cuts with the adjustable riving knife - the SS you have tool free insert removal, but you do have to change knives. The above table dust collection on the SS is amazing, I don't know how the Uni and PM compare. Download all 3 manuals, I would be stunned if either the Uni or PM have more fine tuning available. As most posts have conceded, all 3 will do the job ( so did my Ryobi). IMHO, the price premium for the blade brake on SS contractor is pretty steep - on the PCS v. PM v. Uni the premium is insignificant. I don't want to sound like an over the top SS owner, but the ruined blade risk doesn't sound like much to me. If I hit the blade on my PM, or Uni with the miter gauge, I am guessing it is time for a new blade anyway - the only extra cost is the brake cartridge. I bought 2 extra so I have already forgotten that expense. I agree that if wet wood caused the fire, that is a different issue - but the saw has a light that lets you check it first, and I use a crappy blade when I am cutting PT anyway, so its not like I am losing a WWII when I am cutting moist lumber. I can see a few potential downsides, but overall, it is a great saw.