My G500 was picked to be primary. At the time I bought it, it was the best they made. It has a knob to adjust it to breathe easy without freeflow. The 380 is very similar but has no adjustment. I figured that I would adjust it to not freeflow and that it would be "good enough" for a second. My surprise is that it breathes easier than the 500, and doesn't freeflow much at all. I would be very happy with it for both primary and secondary. I was somewhat surprised since it is not their "top of the line". They also make the 190, the 250, and the 400. Now the G 600 to replace the 500. The 190 is simple and tough, but doesn't breathe as easy. the 250 has the adjustment and breathes great, but is larger than either of mine. I don't know anything about the 400 except it looks funny to me. These regs fit different niches or needs. I think the 190's are great rental, resort, or shallow budget regs. I don't look at them as inferior, just different. Like I have a pickup and a convertable. If I'm hauling lumber, I use the pickup, and if I'm going to an uptown restaraunt, I drive the convertable. (Actually, I drive the pickup there too, but you get the point). One is not better than the other, they're just different.
Also, I can afford the best and plan on keeping it for a long time. Others, like maybe college students, would probably be very happy with a 190, planning to trade up later. But I'm with you--I'm getting the best.
Dave