Don't think either system has a bad rap...but what I found helpful for towing the race trailer or our 15K pound fifth wheel is to review opinions on some of the RV Forums, I use
http://www.rv.net/forum/ and found the tech section helpful. Once you've pulled Cabbage Hill or come down Donner Pass at 29 degrees and raining you start relying on the big RV contingent that travels all over the country...they have EXPERIENCE!!!
BTW, you can't beat Summit's price on the Air Lift 5000 if you order from them a lot and have their "pro" account.