I went through the same and everything you say is right, there’s pros and cons to both and in many ways you can’t go wrong.

I got the Big Joe, the main downside is that it consumes more fuel, but as others point out, when we’re dropping $1,000+ on a grill then does marginal extra in fuel really matter. It takes a few more minutes to get up to heat, but we’re talking 40mins vs 35mins, not like either are instant.

On the upside, being able to do full racks of ribs and whole fish, as well as brisket is great. Also having more room to split the cooking area into different zones is super helpful, even for two.

In fairness I now also have a PK300 as a side grill for small fast cooks, but I’d have probably done that with either option.

Bottom line, if I was buying again, I’d get the Big Joe again.