I see that you decided to go with the LadyHawk already, but I thought I'd add my opinion as well anyway.
I am fairly new to diving, only been certified a couple of years, and the Pearl i3 was my first BC I bought. I learned with the traditional type of BC and it was fine. But when I was researching the different BCs available, once I found the Pearl i3 I thought it was an awesome idea to have the lever down low and the anatomical cut for a women. I LOVE the lever on the side, and have never had a problem with it nor people not knowing how to use it once they noticed there was no traditional hose. My dive buddy (and boy-friend) also has the i3, so we are very familiar with eachother's equipment. The i3 is so easy to use, but I'd say I do have one complaint with the Pearl. Since it is 'anatomical' for women, the bottom of the BC hits you above the hips, for those endowed with larger hips (plus it's suppoed to be a flatteing fit, not sure if I believe that). Since it is shorter, it also seems to be a bit bulkier.
Other then this, I love my BC, the look, the fit, the lever for control, the whole deal!