New style nose gear
I'm in a similar situation - considering upgrading to the new style nose gear. My RV-6A is still under construction and I already have the finishing kit with the old style nose gear and engine mount. The main obstacle is the cost of the new nose gear and mount which was $3,250 plus shipping when I checked over a year ago. But if it saves a flip and a broken neck I think it is worth it!
It's probably too early in the life (2019) of the new style nose gear to have adequate data to confirm if it is better and safer. But it is now the "standard" in the Vans kits.
Many people are happy with the old style nose gear and have not had any problems, so there may be an element of luck involved.