Which are better between Gecko and Rutex?

I'd really like to use Rutex because it has allot of bells and whistles. I like that I can plug three driver boards into a mini-motherboard and have the parallel port connect to that (less wiring). And they have a "Four relay outputs" board that I can simply plug in.
Three Gecko 340's at $148.00 each is $450. Three Rutex R990H's at $148.00 each plus the mini-motherboard (optional) for $58 is about $508.00. Not much difference in price and the Rutex can read my motor encoders (differential) and the Gecko's can't without some added stuff. Plus, I can always add the relay output board to the Rutex later.
So, does anyone know why I would pick Gecko over Rutex? Is there anything wrong with the Rutex? Are the Rutex more fragile than the Gecko or something? I know that Gecko is a very good and trusted brand. Isn't Rutex also? I'm just wondering why so few people use Rutex and everyone and their dog seems to use Gecko.

Thanks for any information..........Sam