Direct Drive vs. Idler Drive vs. Belt drive


I'd like to know your thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of each drive system. I can see that direct drive is more in vogue over the last few years but is it superior to the other drive systems? I've had first-hand experiences with two out of the three drive systems but looking to learn more.
scar972
@chakster , have you considered graphite? The good people at the Graphite Store were very helpful. I use 1", which they thought was a bit over the top.
@terry9 

I have no source for graphite
As i can see The Mat is not pure graphite, it's different carbon graphite material, so the thickness is just 4mm and cheaper that previous versions made by Boston Audio. 

Another mat made from  extremely high grade of polycrystalline graphite
is OMA Graphite Mat  (6mm thickness), but i never tried this one myself, too expensive.    
@chakster , graphitestore.com helped me with expert advice and a good product at a very fair price. I was told that they have provided platter mats before, but never as thick as an inch.

My big iron platter rings at 500Hz, the graphite top rings at 2000Kz, and the combination is dead as a tomb.
Terry9

How did you test for ringing?  A test record and your ears or some sort of test equipment?  Seeing those frequencies are at the heart of the midrange what did you hear when you played music.  I am truly curious.

Thanks
Tom