I have one of the older (rear focus) SS10x42M's and I just have to say, this thing can take one HELL of a beating. This thing is on my coyote rifle, and has been dropped, frozen, cooked (lived in wester Nebraska i.e. 100+ summers, -20 winters, blowing dust, sleet, etc). The scope has an etched reticle, which is supposed to be the reason for its durability -- no crosshair wires to break. Only problem w/ the older ones(<98) is that the clicks get kinda mushy. Newer ones have a different 0-ring system, and are supposed to be even better. As for clarity-- I have two Leupold LR side-focus scopes, a 6.5-20 and a 8.5-25, and this thing is just as good for me. Some people might have more discerning eyes, but I think it's a matter of _wanting_ to see better to justify the money spent.
nuk