ive never understood that line of thinking either.
i wouldnt really put the 346 and 5105 in the same category either even if they are both 50cc saws.
346 excels as a limbing saw but it lacks the low end grunt to be a decent felling saw. which saw is best always comes down to what you plan on doing with it which troll doesnt seem to understand.
I think Troll is spot on re: handling and balance. I didn't believe him intially, then I bought some 346s and sold my 5100s even though they always had more grunt - 5100 was happy with 17" 3/8", the 346 was not, but I run 13" .325" most of the time on the 40-50cc saws, so the 346 won out for me. Then this one came along, heated handles, so I'm back in the 5100 game. I think this will make a great firewood saw and falling saw, and with a longer bar, will make a great backpack saw for trail clearing work.