I don't know if he is a shill or not. I don't believe you KNOW he is a shill either, why express it as a guaranteed fact??? that is rude! I have been called a shill recently because i didn't follow someone's opinion on posting either but i am not. I have had 4 Stromers, 6 if you included extended loaners (months) lol.
I currently have 2 Platinums. I received the option to finally replace my original units w/new Elites strait up! I had nothing but issues for years. Recently my wife's bike was in a shop for over 3 months ( she was down for medical reasons during this time). The shop was lost its franchise and most experienced Stromer tech 2 months into the repair (too long anyway!). They had to put the bike together enough to take it to the new shop in the area, Cycle Life in Washington DC. The techs there convinced them to replace rather then repair which had been promised before and we upped to the Platinum model out of pocket, if for no other reason to get the front suspension. Totally awesome experience w/Cycle Life.I have at least 250 miles on each them. My rear brake went out and has been fixed, leaked brake fluid and lost pressure.
I had already started to make arrangement w/the Falco Motors and Catalist82 and his battery filled frame on this board for a new bike when the opportunity to replace both Stromers for less than I was going to spend on 1 bike. It may have been faster and/or just better but it would only be one bike and that would have not taken care of the situation completely. I have added the city kit to mine while the brake was being repaired and hers is ready for install when we get a chance.
All that being said the OP information is not correct which does go the shill point. The ST1 Elite is 9 speed, the original Elite is 27 and the ST1 Platinum is 27 speed. the price difference is 600 not 1000 so if he really owns a unit something is not right. Also, i will add his post tone does sound shill but everything else about his post sounds about right based on my Platinums, haven't ridden an Elite yet.
sorry for long winded response
Mark