After reading Julie's blog, and after reading
this SCS thread and
this other SCS thread, I decided to order the Big Kick made by Sizzix. The only manufacturing difference between the Big Kick and the Big Shot is the color of the machines.
Currently, the best deal on the Big Kick can be found at Costco.com. You can use Cuttlebug, Sizzix and Ellison products in the Big Kick.
Hope this helps.