The thing about buying high end cockers is that there are so many of them!
As somebody already suggeted, try as many of them as you can.
But if you have a budget to worry about (who doesn't?) then you should also consider what features you want (milling, adjustable reg, etc.) You might be spending $$ on features you don't want.
You might fine it cheaper to start with stock and mod the gun with features you like. But if you fine a high end cocker with all the right stuff for you, go for it!!
My first cocker is a 97 and I have it tuned to the point where I can give it to a newbie and he can dump a whole case without any problems. I've had no problems with it and I don't recall it falling apart after 6 months.
My second cocker is a 98 (or 99?). Actually it was a Sniper II pump and I converted it from a cocker last summer. I have it finished now and it works sweet.
Now I just bought a 2002 vertical feed cocker. I haven't made any mods yet as I am still planning what I'm gonna do to it.
Yes....it's a illness.
bouncer