1. What other aircraft did you consider before deciding to go with Vans?
Back in 1999 when I was getting ready to pull the trigger on my first kit, I was torn in a few directions. I liked the look of the Lancairs, but couldn't afford them. I was also intrigued by the Berkut, but was completely blown off by a very rude Dave Ronneberg at SnF.
2. What was your ultimate deciding factor to go with Vans?
I'd known a guy who built an RV-4 and I absolutely loved the relatively new RV-8. Everyone I met at Van's SnF tent and dinner that year was friendly and encouraging. I was also very pleased with the online community (the good, old RV-List) and availability of advice.
3. How did you decide on which model to build/buy?
That was the easiest part. I wanted a tandem, tailwheel airplane and was already excited by the RV-8.
4. If you had it to do over again with your knowledge now (yes I know there are a lot of repeat offenders on here) would there be anything you would do differently?
Well, knowing just how much my wife (a nervous flier at the best of times) hated sitting in back, I knew that I'd build a side-by-side this time around. She also asked me to do a nosewheel airplane, as she was more confident of being able to land it in an emergency. I never cared for any of Van's earlier nose gear designs, but liked the larger size and improved nose gear design of the RV-14A, so that's what I built the second time around.
I definitely have other kits to which I'm attracted should I go back for round three. The SubSonex and the OneDesign are the top contenders. Obviously, they're very different airplanes for completely different missions, but I like them both. I've previously built the wings of a Model 12 Pitts, but sold that kit before finishing the project. That would be another possibility for me. I've always been intrigued by the Thunder Mustang, but it's out of production and, at that price, I'd be thinking seriously of just going for an original. Yeah, it's more money yet, but the value proposition is better.
Honestly, I'm kind of "built" out at this point and am thinking about non-experimentals for the first time in many years. I'm really attracted to the L-39, but the operating costs are astronomical. A T-6 would also float my boat in many ways. Who knows what's next?
OK, I just realized that I've blathered on for a far longer answer than the OP probably wanted. Sorry about that.