I think the real advantage to a Honda or Yamaha is the ability to find parts and service.
My first gen was a POS for which no parts were available, glad its gone. I then got a Honda as around me there are plenty of dealers and I know there will be plenty of dealers anywhere in the country I am.
Either of the other two you mentioned and the Champion mentioned above are probably pretty good from what I have read; but will you be able to get parts and service easily (Champion does seem to have a pretty good rep in this respect).
Regards,
Doug