Regarding burn in, it is my understanding that the latest generations of plamsa sets have addressed this probelm and it is no longer an issue. The contrast ratios have been upped to 10000:1, the power consumption has dropped from 1000W to ~400W-600W, depending on the size, etc., and the longevity has been increased to 60,000 hours. To me, plasmas have overcome essentially all of their initial major drawbacks and are a very attractive choice these days, especially since prices are coming down.
A friend of mine was recommending LCoS/Sony's SXRD or a DLP set instead of plasma, due to bigger screens, better resolutions and lower prices (for the DLPs at least). For me though, a plasma is thinner and more aesthetically pleasing in that respect. And, more importantly, with DLPs, LCoS, etc., my understanding is that every 5-7 years you will probably need to replace your bulb setup, which will run you about $500, whereas a plasma will not fade or burn out for 60,000 hours, or roughly 15 years of use depending on your viewing habits. Yes, if something goes wrong with a plasma you'd need to replace the whole set, but in my mind that's why you buy a reputable brand name, and not an Akai or something you see at Costco.

Those types of companies just pick up the panels which didn't pass the high quality requirements of the reputable brands (Panasonic, Toshiba, etc.) and sell them for cheap.
Anyway, just some thoughts. Feel free to share some feedback, especially you
h0e0h, as I value your experience, knowledge and opinion.