I ended up going with the Snow Peak GigaPower. I know many really like the white gas stoves, but I cant seem to convince myself to go away from canister stoves...If I was climbing everest or in the high country of colorado my opinion may change. The GigaPower treated me very well. Much more efficient, lighter, and less bulky than my ancient camping gaz stove. I only brought one 8oz can of fuel and was able to boil water twice a day (breakfast/coffee and dinner) for a 9 day trip. Satisfied with my decision.
One reason I went away from the Jetboil is the fact that you need to rely on the fragile and flimsy plastic cover to be comfortable with setting the cup/pot in the dirt. I dont want anything that seems fragile when on an extended trip.
Appreciate all the input! 
Are you talking about the bottom "cup" of the JerBoil? Just curious why you have to use that to set the pot down.
I could be wrong but I don't think you would want to get dirt, sand, etc in the area the cup is designed to protect.
I've set it down on the dirt many times. Dirt wont hurt the heat exchanger area at all. Now if you are setting it down in mud and it gets caked on that might be a different story. But any small cling on type debris will burn and wont harm it.
Good to know! I have no regrets going the route I did. My setup is lighter and more compact than the jetboil, and so far I am very happy with the efficiency. I really like the jetboil, but decided to go with a less fragile and less expensive setup.
