RE: Gas or charcoal?
I don't mind admitting that I've switched almost exclusively to gas. I use my grill 3-4 times a week 9 months out of the year and at least once a week even in the winter. There's just no way I could pull that off time wise if I was using charcoal. However, I also use hickory or other wood chips in a smoker box attachment that narrows the gap flavor wise.