I really like First Gear as a brand. The D30 armor is the bomb. The TPG breathable waterproof-ness is also really good. Plus, the crash replacement guarantee was pretty nice when I had to use it a number of years ago. I'm built kind of squareish (5'8" and 250 with a 30" inseam) and First Gear fits (a little long in the sleeve and leg but, it's a decent fit for off the rack and the armor is adjustable so it lands on the joints even if you aren't 6'2" to 6'4" with a 34-38 inch inseam).
After the Butt Lite 7 I did the pilgrimage to Duluth with the money burning a hole in my pocket but Aerostitch just doesn't "fit" me. They were super nice and we spent almost an entire day there trying on every conceivable combination but, no joy. They're great if you're a rectangular build but squarish types, not so much. Yes, I was very, very sad.
As you've probably discovered there's a lot to consider when thinking about riding gear....
1 piece vs. 2 piece - I like two piece because I like to be able to shed my jacket for a longer stop without having to fully disrobe not to mention for the longer visits to restrooms.... (just sayin').
waterproof vs. liners - I like the whole thing to be waterproof without a liner because I don't want to stop to put on rain gear (yes, it is a little hotter but materials have also dramatically improved in breathability). I also want my pockets to be waterproof without a liner or over-suit. (Waterproof pockets is particularly important if that's where your cameras live).
jacket length on a 2 piece - I like a 3/4 jacket because I don't like rain dripping down my britches, some folks hate them because it's a lot of extra fabric.
number of pockets - I like two exterior chest pockets, and two hip pockets on my jacket bc it helps keep me organized. I also like having a couple of napoleon pockets on the interior. I really, really like having cargo pockets on the britches and being able to pass through the side pockets to one's under-suit britches.
vents - more vents means more opportunities for leaking but also more options when it gets hot
number of seasons - really there is nothing that will go from wicked cold to blazing hot all by itself so it's always a compromise and one has to think about what the weather is like for most of their riding
budget - wow, that one's tough - higher quality materials, better fit, higher technology protections - that's expensive no matter what the brand is.
One place to look for quality gear at more budget prices is motorcyclegear.com (used to be newenough.com back in the day - awesome customer service for years and years). You can buy new gear that's several years back on the version (because the manufacturers come out with a new version every year and discontinue their old stuff). It's especially good if the Aerostitch doesn't fit you.