This thread is really interesting even if it went a bit further than the original topic. The OP can always chime in again, if we've totally missed the point.
Speaking of point, there's one more difference I noticed and should mention: length of warranty on the lights. I know my original T8 fixtures had only a one year warranty. Yes they were bottom of the line, basic shoplight, with some defects I had to take care of myself when I figured it out (Those pull-down configured sockets suck, for not holding your tubes snugly and firmly in place). But I think 1-2 years is a typical warranty for fluorescent fixtures. The LED fixtures OTOH nearly all come with a five year warranty. That is pretty good for fixture plus lights included.