I can say without a doubt this is the best cooker I have ever cooked on. I have had a Treager, XL BGE, Cabelas Pro100, Webber, WSM, cook shack...... And this reverse flow gives me the results I am looking for..... It's not as user friendly as a pellet pusher...... But, the Q is fantastic..... Glad I made the leap.
I came from an XL BGE to a well made reverse flow. There is no comparison. My stick burner absolutely produces a better flavor profile. It's just cleaner and yet still better pronounced all at once. I love that thing.
I have an XL also.... There are somethings that the will do better. But you are absolutely correct when you say that the flavor is cleaner and more pronounced. The egg is to efficient. It'll do steaks and pizza better and that's about it.... I can't wait to do beans on this thing...
I see you have a Shirley.... I was just about to order one. But found this locally on CL. Even has the insulated firebox...