Thanks for all of your responses. I am inclined toward the SME V because it has adjustable damping with the silicone trough and the arm itself is lined with a damping material. I have convinced myself that a touch less brightness in my system will suit me and a bit of added bass and lower mid warmth won't hurt - I can always work that out (make the sound leaner) with tube selection and put a little "edge" back in the tonal mix.
The SME V also offers really good set up tools and methods for fine adjustment that the Regas do somewhat poorly. Taking the arm on and off to insert washers strikes me as a bit primitive. I also understand that the Rega arms are very sensitive to the pressure of the nut on the underside of the arm affixing the arm to the armboard. I do not want to fiddle with that too much. I also do not think that the Regas offer any real adjustment to azimuth, though the SME is not easy to adjust in this way.
No order placed, yet. Steer me right if you have additional thoughts!
The SME V also offers really good set up tools and methods for fine adjustment that the Regas do somewhat poorly. Taking the arm on and off to insert washers strikes me as a bit primitive. I also understand that the Rega arms are very sensitive to the pressure of the nut on the underside of the arm affixing the arm to the armboard. I do not want to fiddle with that too much. I also do not think that the Regas offer any real adjustment to azimuth, though the SME is not easy to adjust in this way.
No order placed, yet. Steer me right if you have additional thoughts!