The thread brings up three points: 1. A competent diver can probably make just about any rig BC, BP/W, - work for a variety opf conditions, cold, warm, shallow, deep, etc. And, what works really well for one diver may not work really well for another diver, as personal preference does influence perception. There may be differences in efficiency (drag, etc.) across rigs but probably most do not fall into the You are gonna die category. There may also be differences in logic - 'Why would I even want to use my Ranger for my doubles, instead of a BP/W?' to be considered as well. 2. Thal raises (and has raised recently in other posts) the issue of weight ditchability independent of rig removal, and that is very good food for thought. I do not like using a weight belt with my drysuit, and have gotten to the point where all my weight is in my rig (double steel 120s, SS BP, ankle weights on the tanks). The rig is very negative but, in the suit (even shrink-wrapped), I am positive. If I had to remove the unit, it would sink like a stone, while I would go the other way. Need to rethink my approach. 3. Padded BCs like the Ranger are very comfortable on the surface (in and out of the water), but the comfort difference between a Ranger and a simple hog-rigged BP/W disappears as soon as I submerge, just as Walter suggests. My Ranger now sits in my closet, lonely and unused - not because it is a 'bad' BC which it is not, but because a simple BP/W is just as comfortable, and less trouble, for singles diving, and infinitely more functional for doubles diving.
As Scott suggested, the OP does not have to buy their last BC this time around. Indeed, a last BC purchase may be as real as gryphons and Nessie. Many of us continue to evolve, as we try different things and find out what works for us.