True Bergs, yes, but not having a thread dial indicator fitted (cheapskate as ever, me) nor a gearbox for that matter, nor even a clutch, I never disengage the lead screw for reversing to start the next cut of the thread, otherwise it's a faff with a loupe and eliminating backlash in topslide and cross slide leadscrews to pick up the thread again. Same for imperial and metric (for which I have some 21 tooth change gears) - the only dead cinch is if occasionally cutting to same pitch as lead screw, when it isn't a problem obviously. No reversing switch = no easy way to maintain tool alignment. Dewhurst is the popular quality choice on Myfords, at least.
Ref your point Richard re inverter and 3 phase, as I said, I don't have . . . but with hindsight wish I had bothered, despite the extra cost, because I am a daily user (don't get that wrong!) and variable speed is a massive advantage as Chaterlea says (albeit he's way ahead of most of us with that array of machinery!). In fact I now do have 3 phase everywhere since installing heat pumps so wouldn't need the inverter - if the motor ever dies, it's the way I'll go.
My late mate KenF wouldn't use a single phase motor for that reason, but he had a Super Seven with proper headstock bearings and a higher speed range than the plain bushed versions like mine. I have used both machines extensively and there is no doubt it makes a big difference being instantly able to pick a perfect cutting speed to suit diameter, material, depth and speed of cut, and it helps a lot with the finish. No comparison, in fact, even if 'comparisons are odious' as they say.
