Great comments continue with thanks...all great points mentioned. No, the helical/spiral head is not mandatory and I've done just fine with the straight blades for the prior 10+ years. But I asked as they seem to be the "thing to go with" and since I'm having to do a replacement, thought it prudent to examine that route. As mentioned before, I've not experienced much tear-out but I've also not made anything of woods prone to it. Since power was mentioned, it too is an advantage of staying with the smaller machine since I only have access to 120 without having an electrician come in. Not that I wouldn't if the need arose, but currently it's all single phase in my shop.

I will say the space is a greater limitation than the willingness to spend a little more on a nice piece of equipment, within reason of course.