All of the 9 x 12" plates are based on the Rousseau design, minus the patented features. Rousseau plates are slightly convex which guarantees the wood always passes the bit at exactly the same height. The two removeable center sections means you can use PC style guide bushings or have an opening large enough for the biggest panel raising bits. The rings snap fit together securely. There are corner snuggers and leveling screws to ensure the plate is properly positioned. All other mounting plates should be perfectly flat. Odds are you have seen the Rousseau plate in action on the NYW. Norm used this plate for the first 10 years of the show until Rockler became a sponsor and wanted him to help their sales by building a new table with their parts. Now that you know the background I suggest you visit both companies web sites and compare features and prices. I prefer the Rousseau over the (usually) cheaper clone plates. I suggest you also visit Oak Park's web site and view the features of their 11 x 11" mounting plates. They accept larger guide bushings which allow you to do more with templates, and they also have the patented plate with the built in vacuum ports. It is a real pleasure to not have to fight with a hose over the table. Once you have reviewed the options let us know what you decide.