John---I would include my ICOM IC-740 (ham-band only)rig in the 'same league' as the ones you mention. Though older, it deserves the same accolades, in my view.
73---Ernie

Correction on my posting above. I meant the Drake 4B or 4C 'twins' and not the '2B' series.
Ernie---VE3GNU

Though I've never owned them, but lusted after them after getting licensed (but could never afford them)---the Drake twins (2-B, 2-C) get my vote, but for the moment and for the  past 26 years, my trusty and quiet Icom 740 (ham band only) gets the nod---
"such is life"---73---Ernie

In response to the question at hand---in my view, KB1LKR has summed it all best---an outstanding point of view that envelopes all the salient isssues, very well expressed---my compliments.
73---Ernie

The fascination for me is the realization that you can send energy that contains information that ignores geographical and political boundaries.
The physics of it translates into some sort of 'magic' for me.

New Kenwood TS8000 coming out in Fall '09?
Uhh? Are you serious?  Where did that come from?  
Ernie

Check out the Idiom CMOS-4. Buy the kit, assemble it---and away you go---
73---Ernie

I've had my 740 new since '82, and other than the compressor issue (It's been out of service for a long time for me, but then again---I have no use for it anyway!) everything that matters still works well.
The issue of the 'wonky' compressor switch for me has to do with RF out.  It would appear that the compressor switch can impact on the RF power out, so make sure that the compressor switch is EITHER IN OR OUT when you check for RF power OUT because that is an INTERMITTENT issue with this switch, and then leave it in the position that will cause the transmitter to deliver the power out.
Also, from my experience of using the radio 'portable' the screws on the two boards on top (IF and Main) could work loose and need to be retorqued, so check that.
73---Ernie

Thanks to all who responded to my query re: the Vibroplex Square Racer; especially to Scott whose explanation of the required 'touch' makes 'total sense'.
Having only used a 'spring-loaded' Bencher By-1, it's really difficult for me to visualize the feel of a magnetic paddle, but then again---perhaps it's all a matter of practice and/or adaptability---
Also, it would be informative to see more Eham reviews of this paddle, to supplement the already positive average score (4.8/10).
73---Ernie

Ditto on the above comments, but please note that the Argonaut V has been taken out of production since last Fall.
I've had mine for 3 years and appreciate its many fine features---including the 'General Coverage', its large/clear read-out, on-the-fly bw filtering, good looks, and its superb keying characteristics!  The sole negative for me is the missing RF Gain control.
73---Ernie

In view of only 9 Eham 'keys and paddles' reviews on this particular paddle---I thought that placing the question here would engender some additional responses---and it has, thank you.
It appears that the issue of 'loose screws' has been a concern to a number of operators---leading me to wonder whether it's a design or operator flaw!!
Blue and Red Loctite seem to figure prominently in some of the postings.
Operator N9SKN appears to have a unique perspective on the 'looseness' of the essential screws---which merits consideration---in my view.  Interesting!
73---Ernie

Has anyone any experience with the Vibroplex Square Racer magnetic paddle?  It is one of the recommended paddles by DJ8GO who, on Dec. 10/05, posted an article under the title: The Foothills of Paddle Mountain.
The Bencher BY-1 is the only paddle I've ever owned, and I wonder what it would be like to operate with magnets rather than springs.
Thanks in advance.
Ernie
VE3GNU

As an owner and operator of the TT 1340, I say you can't go wrong with this rig as it has to be the best 'bang for your buck' monobander. Just check Eham and read the 35 reviews---largely positive, and yes---Ten Tec is very responsive to any and all questions you may have.
BTW---You'll especially like the keying characteristics.
Sorry---Don't have any experience/knowledge of the MFJ, however.
Good Luck---
Ernie

Dan, this paddle is available from Morse Express in the US---listed at $99.00---
Google: Morse Express

Good luck---
Ernie

I can totally confirm the quality products and service from QRPBob at Wilderness Radio.
I bought and built the NorCal 40A several years ago, and of the three QRP kit-rigs---it was the one that worked 'right off the bat'.  The assembly-manual is 'first rate'---with easy-to-understand instructions and printed in clear and legible style!
I'm considering building a Sierra---further down the road!
See my Eham Review.
73---Ernie