That maybe so Ian but business is business and competition is a GOOD thing to keep all on their toes...I say bring it on !
I suppose if we were on the board of directors of either of those companies, it would matter a great deal. But, all we are is a bunch of players looking for an instrument that best suits our needs, not a bunch of cheerleaders wearing T-shirts for whatever company seems to be more popular at the moment.

What gets me, is why you don't have a PA3X/PA-800 instead of the lower level PA-500?
No DNC voices would be a real deal breaker for me, but, I would use the instrument differently than you, as I play
all instrumental...maybe it doesn't make that much difference to you?
If I was going to buy a Korg arranger, I'd surely pick the PA3X.
But, I do agree....competition is a good thing, and we, the users, always benefit from it.
Ian