I'm always a bit mixed on the variable speed thing. The only machines that I have ever had issues with have been related to the "electronics" of either "soft-start" or some kind of speed matching/compensating under load type of technology.
I lost 2 different 2 hp Triton routers, years ago, because of that. They would run all day long in the router table, cutting rabbets, grooves, etc. in sheet goods, but give it some load that taxes it enough to kick in the electronics? It might not fare so well. I had one fixed, the first time, and was told it was unfixable the second time. I bought the second one to replace it, because the first one lasted 6 years in a commercial environment. The second one died in the first 30 days, was repaired under warranty, and run for years, before being destroyed by a fire.
That is why I replaced them with the bigger 3hp model the last time. I'm still not 100% impressed with those either. I have already had a brush failure with one of them, which is why I have 2 now. I couldn't get replacement brushes as quickly as I could get a new router. I had to be back up and running, so I ordered both and started using the new one, while I waited for the brushes. I got a spare variable-speed unit at the same time, just in case. Or course, since I now have 2 of these routers, I'll never need it, but ok.
I just can't totally ignore them because the ergonomics/form-factor is perfect for router table use. I don't really like them "in hand", but in the table, yes very much.
