Amazon has the PLX1104 on for 449.00. I doubt you'll ever see them cheaper anywhere. I shopped them for quite some time and everyone was stuck on the 599.00 price.
On the first page of a thread, on the top left hand side there is a box with stars in it. Click on how many stars you think the thread is worth. That's how, but as far as why, I can't help you there, I've never ranked one.
For those that are interested. I had to open up one of my QSC PLX1104's this weekend to do a fan swap. Here's what's under the hood.
Cover off (click pics for larger view)
I've got a 402 on e-bay right now.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Crown-XLS402D-Amplifier-XLS-402D_W0QQitemZ220231868427QQihZ012QQcategoryZ23787QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
I'm sure there's more than one way, but......... I'll play a sine wave around the crossover point where the mains and sub are both playing simultaneously. At the listening position, I take my trusty SPL meter and watch it while someone turns the phase dial on the sub. I use the highest SPL reading to determine where to leave the phase knob. You can also do some critical music listening. Concentrate on the bass track on a particular recording. Listen to it several times with the phase knob in different positions. Leave it where the bass sounds the best to you. If the sub is in the same plane as your mains, start with the knob in the "0" position.
Which one are you going to get?
What in your current setup negates your want or need for surge protection?
As far as the pull out lights go, just be sure you put the Furman on top of your gear because the lights won't turn far enough to shine upwards. It'll only illuminate equipment below it.
My daughter saw it this weekend and really liked it. She said "Daddy, you'll like it, there's lots of bass". That's my girl! I also read this morning that it was the 2'nd largest opening of a movie (non sequel variety).