I believe that the answer to your questions would be "it depends" on what you expect the EasyTouch to do. The more complex the system the more likelihood of a problem. I have a very simple set up.. EasyTouch 4 Control Panel, Variable Speed Pump, and Salt Water Chlorine Generator. No Spa, no automatic valves, no heater, no in-floor cleaning system, no solar system, no etc. I installed and programmed the system myself and, so far, have had no issues. Since the Easytouch comes in several different configurations, I'd ask myself the following questions:
1. What do I expect the EasyTouch to do for me?
2. Do I want the single body system or the duel body system? (Single Body for Pool OR Spa only, Dual body for Pool AND Spa)
3. Do I plan on having a Salt System? If so, it would be make sense to buy the unit with the SWG power source already built in the control panel.
4. Do you plan on have automated valves? If so, it might make sense to buy the unit that comes with the valves.
5. Do you plan to install it yourself?
6. Do you plan to program it yourself?
7. Do you plan on having a hardwired inside panel or wireless panel? Do you really need a panel or would you rather use your PC or cell phone?
Just my thoughts about what you should be looking for when looking at the estimate.
Also, programming, for a simple system is relatively easy, reading the manual is not. It is much easier to do it, than it is to write down how to do it. It takes about half an hour, or so, to get a feel for how the system operates.
Keep in mind that I only have the one system, so your mileage may vary.
Thanks
Jim R.