This is an update of my post #7 on this thread.
I just received the AK2i that I ordered 3 weeks ago from DX.
Construction quality seems greatly improved over the POS early AK2 I previously had.
I installed the 4.15 official firmware and I still hate it - except for moonshell.
Next I tried AKAIO 1.4. I have only used it for a short time, but I really like it!
I am not sure yet that I like it as well as an EDGE or CycloDS, but I like better than anything else I have tried!
Time will tell. I hope it works on the NDSi I have pre-ordered.
If money is a factor, I would buy either an AK2i and run AKAIO or an EDGE with EDGE-OS-1.44 or later.
I will never buy another standard AK2. I will not use the current official AK2 firmware!
The CycloDS may be worth double the price to some, but not to me.
edit
After further use, I have changed my opinion again.
Now I think CycloDS
IS worth the extra cost.
I would recommend:
1 - CycloDS Evo for experts without budget constraints.
2 - EDGE for anyone.
3 - AK2i with AKAIO for experts on a budget or NDSi owners or prospective owners.
4 - DSTT for beginners, children and misers only.
I am still hoping for an EDGEi and/or Evoi.