Any experienced Projector users?

How big of a step up is the Sanyo PLV25 over the Optima HD-70? These 2 units plus the Panasonic PT AX1000 are my 3 top choices, I would like to be able to have some light fom time to time in room, it can be easily totally dark but for parties and casual veiwing, a bit of direct reading light and some low watt ambient would be great.
Also with any or all these options can I expect good if not passable results with a somewhat budget pull-down screen........around $300 for screen? Thanks again, doing research is great on many websites but having the chance to talk to members here makes me a bit more comfortable.

You need to spend some time over at www.projectorcentral.com

As I said I have been Projectorcentral, AVSforum, Audioholics and learned a ton of info but talking to real world owners makes me more comfortable, especially folks on this website.

I have an Epson Powerlite S5 projecting on an 8x12ft wall to play Wii games. This is a $600 solution and I think it's well worth it. The only draw-back is that you have to buy Component Video cable to feed into HD15 to get the best video out of it.

1-The rear projector may be nice but, how will you get it down the basement stairs?
2-My NEC is 2000 lumens and still doesn't look nearly as good with any lights on. One 40 watt light cuts the quality a lot.
3-Don't skimp on the screen. A higher gain screen will let you get away with more light.
4-Finally, don't mount the projector right over your "sweet spot". You will hear the fan. You can mount it much closer or farther away and zoom in/out. You can even get different lenses to allow different placement.