I own a stock 261 and have sung it's praises more than once - it is an excellent saw. Unbelievable torque, way more than a 50cc saw should have, excellent filtration, smooth as silk, and it will run on the smell of an oily rag.
However, my favourite saw of late is my recently acquired secondhand little Husky 353. Not because of balance etc but simply because of throttle response and I'd expect the 346XP to be even snappier. The 261 takes too long to get up and down on the revs. I've removed the H limiter and I believe it's tuned about as good as it's gonna get.
I know Sawtroll get's a bit excited about balance with a limbing saw but for me that's not an issue, throttle response is. That's why I mainly use my 200T when trimming around trunks. Lightning fast throttle response (plus good balance but...)
In my mind the 261 makes an excellent all round saw but for me the only major thing it has over either my 353 or Dolmar 5100-S is filtration. If I need wood ripping torque I'll whip out the 7900's or 390XP's. It's antivibe and fuel sipping abilities haven't won me over yet. If the 353/346XP and 5100-S had a filter system as good it'd be bye bye to the 261...
This is just my opinion but in typical Stihl fashion the 261 just does everything very very well like a saw should. It just lacks that WOW factor. It had it to start with but it's gone now. My 200T still has lots of wow, hang on, WOW.
I'd keep your 260 and if power is the issue get it ported. I'll help you out with a new top end if it needs one.
