Hi Bob. I am glad you like the 996P2. I used to have one also, and I enjoyed it at the time. However, my area is simulcast rich and the SDS200 easily outperforms the the 996P2 for monitoring those systems. That said, there is nothing wrong with the 996P2, as it is a solidly built scanner. But in my particular environment, it is the best performer that I've used. So yes, location does play into this significantly.
I also read the reviews on Eham about various pieces of equipment, and while useful, I do take them with at least a small grain of salt because they are personal opinions that may or may not be consistent with what I've experienced. The article in the paper is also an opinion based on whatever factors the author focuses on. All those opinions have a useful place in the hobby, as a source of information for prospective buyers. But until one has the opportunity to utilize various pieces of equipment within their own environment, finding the one which is truly best for their personal application is still a question mark. Sometimes we simply agree to disagree.