Good to hear you love the older model, I bit the bullet on it, a guy had one with a center column on FredMiranda for 800, it sounds like it may have been a decent choice. Especially if all I have is an Rm3di sitting on top on a 410 head.
The search for big sticks was prompted by a recent gig. Couldn't get a scissor lift or a Condor on site so naturally I had my tech cam Mafer'ed(with a plate and the 410) to a 12 ft ladder - Then, so as not to shake during a 15s expo, I was standing on another ladder in the back of a truck bed triggering it.
I figured, maybe it's time to get some bigger legs.
The RRS looks great, specs are good, it's a more aesthetically appealing tripod in my opinion, but this deal seems to have won out. Speaking of other brands though, I actually have a smaller Feisol CT-4432(I think) that has served me really well internationally. Only run into minor issues every once in a while with set screws and legs coming a bit loose. If you carry an allen key set with you, it's no problem... just the times you don't and you have one floppy leg can be a pain.
Thanks for the vote of confidence on it.