I would probably lean toward the Entry Operator as well. I picked up the Elite Operator a few weeks ago and it is a nice weapon. The differences between the two rifles you are looking at appear to be:
Trigger guard - winter version on Operator
Muzzle break on Operator vs. flash guard on Tactical series.
Hogue grip (tactical) vs. ergo grip (Operator)
1 extra mag included with Operator
regular scope mount with Operator is included
choice of 1 of 4 rear mounts with Operator.
Different stocks on each (I like the one on the Operator a bit more)
Seems like you get a little bit more bang for your buck with the $1060 Operator vs. the $995 Tactical and can pick a different rear sight assempbly if you don't like the tactical one.
(I actually order the Tactical rear assembly on my Elite Operator as I didn't really care all that much which assembly I picked up and was interested to see if the Tactical handle mount would work with my Strikefire Vortex and save me from putting a fold down rear sight on. It does work well with that set up as the Strikefire mounts have slots in them at exactly the right spot to allow you to use the iron sights perfectly. It changes your cheek weld when you use the red dot, which is a bit uncomfortable, but not undoable. I did ultimately go with a direct mount to the weapon top and flip up rear sight, but I am not ruling out returning to the tactical mount when the weather warms up and I get get out more and experiment with it. It allows a clean view through the sight without the front post in the way and if you are wearing a tac vest with weapon riding a bit high anyways I can see were the set up may be great, as long as you train enough to realize you are going to be about 3-4 inches above your point of impact at close range.)