Update: my folks visited LSG and Dad was very impressed!Thanks for everyone’s feedback helping us get to this point. I think we will likely go with the 20x36 offset smoker with a few add-ons. Unfortunately, the base cost of these smokers has just gone up $100 in the last few days, so our budget has tightened in terms of how many extras we can spring for. If anyone has strong feelings (pro or con) about add-ons, would love to hear them!
*Another item we are very keen to find: a very good bbq lamp or light for evening & night use (the brighter and more user-friendly the better given my dad’s vision problems).
Thanks again, smoking pros!