I'm assuming you are carrying on a drw.
I find the layout and height inside the most important thing for comfort. That made me throwout the NL in my searches. I find the walkway very narrow but that isn't unique to NL. For a nonslide model, I'd look at S&S. The Lance and AFs had very dark interiors which I don't like as well. At the time that I was looking, other models had essentially closed off the bed area. Yeah, I know that some people like that.
The appliances were essentially the same for all. The designs for all of the manufacturers are evolving.
What's left? Length, usable bathroom, slide construction, holding tanks, and storage. Those for the most part are too variable as well on both design and also what an individual camper might want. For example, holding tank capacity for someone who boondocks is more important than for someone who primarily uses campgrounds.
Based on what others have stated on threads on this forum, I don't think you can count on build quality to be consistent on any make. I also am not a big believer in the RV dealer support, but I work on my own.
Bottom line, you have to make your own list of what you think is important and make sure the camper you go over the camper you buy before you sign the deal.