What makes someone think that they're going to get useful information from a bunch of strangers on the internet? What they're invariably going to read are the "I bought one of these and I love it/hate it" posts; the "I wouldn't use that type of gear to record what you want to record" posts; and the arguments between the other posters. And how are they going to figure out whose advice is useful, who has experience, etc.?
Worse, the advice on recording guitar from a metalhead might be very different from the advice one needs if one is, say, planning to record an authentic blues sound.
Finally, there is no best anything in any category! Recording gear is a tool; it all sounds slightly different, and there are valid choices in every category. It amazes me that people are afraid to use their ears and make up their own minds. They feel more comfortable going out and spending their own cash on something a complete stranger recommended.
If you need any proof that humans really want to act like sheep, just visit a recording forum.
