Great thread.
If you're going to go Insteon, consider the purchase of an ISY-26 for your link management, scene creation, etc. - and possibly events & triggers. SO EASY to program, and it's really a great device, and they seem to be working closely with Elk on integration.
I have my Elk sitting on my shelf waiting to install, hopefully sometime soon.
Here are some comments I had:
Not really as big deal any more. $15 difference between a Switchlinc and HAI UPB, and I bet that diff gets even smaller in quantity.
Not a big deal for a few switches, but 60x$15 is a significant difference - at least to me.
But UPB has true wired inline relays and dimmers, a plug in I/O module, a plug in scheduler/timer module
Insteon has their InlineLinc devices, the EZIO, and the ISY-26 (though it's far more than a simple scheduler/timer module).
Compared to what? It's all just Decora (switchlincs and UPB stuff). Insteon has a light bar vs a single LED, but that is a personal preference. I happen to think the single LED is contemporary looking. With UPB each manufacturers switch has a slightly different feel and look so there is actually more choice there too. And a UPB switch with light bar is still rumored. Don't understand what is 'fun' about Insteon?
I think the light bar is useful to easily see the current dim level. I think the 'fun' part is maybe switching out to different color LEDs, which is easy with Insteon. I personally tried out a few different colors, however, and found most to be cheesey. They should release more 'subtle' colored lightpipes.
No, but then again UPB does not do any RF at all. But I can easily use any x10 RF device with the converter, or any other wireless device (like a Caddx keyfob) to control UPB device via a panel or other HA system.
I think RF is a big plus, and may be key to Insteon's growth. Imagine a standard thermostat run by a couple batteries that communicate via RF to Insteon, or maybe a garage door opener, or something similar. RF isn't just about remote control in my eyes. There are plenty of people, like me, who would rather not run another cat5 to my thermostats or garage door openers.