Opinions needed

[TomG]

Ok, here we go:

There are lots of opinions, and I'd like to get some more before making any purchase.
I'm looking for some advice, and please no rhetoric on the merits of one type of diving philosophy over another, about the pros and cons of each of the following:

BCD vs. backplate and wings (and the merits of the various materials in backplates)
and
OMS IQ pack vs. Dive-Rite Transpac vs. Scubapro s-Tek harness system.

I'd like some first-hand reports of each, and again, please if you haven't dove with these personally, don't give me anything second hand.

My type of diving now:
Average recreational, Wazee a few times a year, some experience on Lake Michigan, Superior, and Huron, maybe one warm-water trip per year. Most of my diving is done in local lakes. I'd like to take some of the more advanced courses, like those from TDI, and I'd like to buy the gear I can "grow with" as my skills and abilities change.

Thanks,

Tom.