thanks so much for your advice....First, let me say that based on what you said maybe a "package" is not the right approach, but let me provide some random details/thought processes:
-I am very comfortable in the water and have loved the water very much all my life and it will not take extreme depths or even colorful scenery to please me, therefore I plan to keep my diving relatively shallow and close (Atlanta, GA)
-I will be certified next month
-Once certified, I plan on doing mostly quarry, spring, and shore dives (southeast USA).
-I prefer a back inflate BCD
-I loved the fit of the Knighthawk (still unsure about the weight system), but would like to try on the Brigade before making a final decision
-I noticed some packages (that "could" save money) on scubatoys that include the brigade
-I know nothing about regs and consoles
perhaps it is in my best interest to research regs and consoles as I have done the BCDs before even thinking of such questions
. I guess, the original question should have been more to the effect of: What are your suggestions, for a beginner wanting to purchase a scuba system given a certain budget?