Re: Picked up a Remington 700 SPS Tactical AAC-SD....
If you'd have said something a week ago i'd have let you check out my PSS stock in person, but I just sold it. Sounds like you are in my AO or very near it.
I've had several of the HS stocks, w/ and w/o the palm swells, and I prefer them WITH. The aluminum block is very nice, and though some choose to skim bed it (i've had both), I really feel it is unnecessary.
I am getting to the point I prefer the a-5 style vertical grip, but I will probably always own at least one HS.
I've got an AAC coming in very soon from another HIDE member, and i'm very anxious to get it. I'm in the same boat as you basically, i'm not going to keep it in the hogue. I wish they would just offer it with the HS for a little more money right off the bat. I'll probably just pony up for an A5.