The A1's are an awesome machine too. I am disabled and determined the HQ fit my own needs best, so that's what I personally bought. Plus, I'd never have a 3 pole frame, only a 4-pole. Weight was a huge criteria, as was the mtc. schedule. I went to purchase a Millie, but it was too heavy.
I would check out the mtc. schedules. Some are mtc. heavy and it takes a lot of time - also some brands drip oil! And some require you to purchase Edgerider wheels as their own wheels aren't that great. Talk to users about these aspects, because company's generally don't admit them :) The truth is they're all good machines. But, I do understand there are major differences in the computers. IQ is one whereby I've read a lot of folks are selling the other brands and buying it for some reason. They say there are many advantages to it, so it might be something to look into.
Go to Houston this year and test drive them all, one after the other. That will give you the best comparison. In addition, if you're ready to buy then, the show prices can't be beat :)