"To be fair, you really need to compare the Dura Ace to the 2003 Chorus"
And why is that? I have always taken this to be a subtle jab at Shimano. People compare Record to Dura-Ace because they are the top offerings from each vendor. Comparing Chorus to DA is no different than comparing Sora to Record.
Regarding the crankset, you are correct that they are completely different. From a weight and stiffness perspective the old Dura-Ace cranks were superior to Chorus or Record or whatever you want to use, and the 2004 DA cranks will be even better. If the cost of the new integrated DA system is even close to the standard Campy aluminum cranks, DA (however ugly) has to be the winner.
Finally, note that all the prices you are seeing are from the UK. US prices on Campy stuff tend to be higher than they are in the UK.
And why is that? I have always taken this to be a subtle jab at Shimano. People compare Record to Dura-Ace because they are the top offerings from each vendor. Comparing Chorus to DA is no different than comparing Sora to Record.
Regarding the crankset, you are correct that they are completely different. From a weight and stiffness perspective the old Dura-Ace cranks were superior to Chorus or Record or whatever you want to use, and the 2004 DA cranks will be even better. If the cost of the new integrated DA system is even close to the standard Campy aluminum cranks, DA (however ugly) has to be the winner.
Finally, note that all the prices you are seeing are from the UK. US prices on Campy stuff tend to be higher than they are in the UK.