Why are folks (general commentary, not ditecting at you two specifically, you all just point out some things I want to discuss) so fast to suddenly give SS so much credit here? Perhaps because they already have put down a deposit? Perhaps even naively so thinking it was HT? I suspect the salt has more to do with "I didn't think HT would make one so I bought into SS's half-heartedly, but I won't admit that now".
They've shown nothing to prove that this product will come out to the standard they are advertising. They deserve their share of scrutiny based on their incredibly inconsistent production history. Even with Legacy Effects on board for the molds and templates, it all can still go to hell in production, as have a great number of SS products. LE being a partner on the project likely means little beyond "these are the repros of the molds we used to make the screen props".
It's very good marketing, though. It sounds really good. But just because you have the tools at your disposal doesn't mean you can properly use them.
All that to be said, I would blindly take HT's "interpretation" over Sideshow's promise of a Legacy Effects backed product, simply because there's no reliable track record from Sideshow's production. If SS kills it and brings a genuine, quality product then I would have no problem giving them my money. But they have not earned my trust for that.
But that would take them actually thinking ahead. SS has had what, 5-6 years since HT has started Star Wars? SS was poised perfectly to go in and tackle B/C list characters, EU content, creature work, Clone Wars, and perhaps most lucratively, environments. These are their strengths. Sideshow could have literally become the best 1/6 Star Wars companion piece producer and they've squandered it.