When we bought our plasma for $4000 5 years ago the way people reacted it was as if we'd bought a Roll Royce or something. But if the tv died tomorrow I'd be content in the knowledge that it provided good value. At the same time we bought the plasma my brother bought one of those projector screen models. He recently took it to the tip and bought an LG plasma.
So far as the difference between LCD and plasma is concerned, I don't think that it's all that important. I've looked at them in stores and I can't really tell the difference until I read the labels. The fact that the debate continues indicates the lack of a clear front runner.