Think about how many sleds you've bought over the years. How many have you got to demo? I've had 25 different sleds over the years. 3 were used. It seems like I got to demo 3. Sure wish I would have demoed the rt1000. I guess my other option was the poo 900. Not a good year. I could at least still my wife's 800 rev. It was fun. I get that they are a lot of money but they were a bunch way back when when you compare what you made.
As far as Rob and Dave, I think you have to take everything with a grain of salt. I know Rob. Used to work down there and went riding with them. They used to stop up here, on the way to the race school, and we would go out on the town. I don't think they are going to flat out lie to a person but you might not get the whole truth. They are paid to talk things up. No different than my buddy who is an outfitter in Alaska. I went up with him, on a moose, bear hunt years ago. I was asking him about how many bears. He talked up how many they were seeing. When I got up there I found out that seeing them and getting them are 2 different stories. Would you go if he said they haven't seen sh!t? Talk up the positives and leave out the negatives.
I've been around long enough that I pretty well know what works and doesn't work and why. I'm not blinded by brand loyalty. You won't know on durability or things of that nature. These are built by the engineers as a 1,2 3 off to test and then they farm it out. There usually lies the problem or the bean counter. Just hope you get lucky.
Here is what I know about the alpha. Everyone talks up the 18 cats power and handling. I've only rode the 17. Feels like a slug in handling and power compare to my 850. 18 is supposed to be way better. Win. The 3 inch power claw is the best track out there and I know what doo 3.5 pitch does. Win. I think cats have better shock package and ride better. Win. No snow on sled is a huge win. I know t motion and flex edge ups and downs. This is different if you think about it. I know an axys is not immune to washout if steep enough and this won't be either. It is more than a stiff edge. It is combination of traction, momentum, throttle, snow and a few other things. I also know the day isn't one all day 50 or 60 degree steep sidehill and I don't play on some stuff if a spindle won't dig in.
It is also a given that you will be able to rail corners if you think about it. Easier to get unstuck because you aren't riding if you don't get stuck. Sometimes you aren't riding if you do get stuck.
I ordered one 2 days after they were released. My wife is getting my boosted 850.
If your not sure and like your sled, keep it and buy the following year. You will be able to find a few next year but it will be where and how much.