I too cut alot of firewood but 10-14" range and mostly pines and tamarack so I have no need for a saw that size.
That being said stihl is my go-to brand and my dealer is fantastic.
He said today he no longer sells the ms500i as he was getting too many unhappy customers. He wouldn't elaborate why guessing he knows what my guys do and the stable of saws I have already.
If you get one let us know how you like it.
edit: last year people told me to stay away from stihls m-tronic saws but fingers crossed mine have been bulletproof/fantastic.
