Correct on bearing difference. Either model I'd put the depth collar all the way down running in rough water. This way the worst that could happen with ST is it will tilt straight up and with SP it will not move. Seems the locking dogs on those fall away ramps could break so not convinced it is a better design when combined with depth collar. With the punishment my sp has taken, I take the reports of breaking locking latch with a grain of salt and most likely due to not putting depth collar down like manual says. Both models need a cam lock depth collar for convenience.
Most consider the power off stow switch a positive, due to gps power drain on battery. Come on give me a break how long do people think a gps would run on group 29 battery, months is the answer. My battery is rechargeable, my time is not.
I like both models, just preferred SP for price versus features.
I have spot in center console of tow vehicle that is used only for I pilot remote, boat keys, fish lic/boat reg/trailer reg, the vehicle does not move without confirming those items are there.