Ripp,
I chose a 2.5-8 because it was available in silver finish, and I needed at least 6 power, as that is the upper limit for the range shooting I do, the extra 2 power helps in load development a little more, but mainly I just liked the look of it in silver!

Most of the shooting I do is at the range, in the BGR events and as such, now being as competitive as it is, you really do need a rifle that shoots as good as it can, I agree that 1.5" groups would be good, but I really enjoy screwing the last possible bit of accuracy out of a rifle, and if that turns it into a 1" rifle or less, then I'm a lot happier, but more importantly, I'm a lot more confident with it on the range. I know the rifle can do it, so any odd shots are all my fault.
Gryphon, I agree that if you think you can shoot better than your rifle, you should give up and play golf or something, those type of thoughts will never lead to said person shooting well.
I'm never the sort of person to load a charge from a book and be happy it just goes "bang" though, I just have to see what I can get, accuracy wise.

David.