Meant to respond to this a while back, but just started a new job and it's had all my mindshare as of late.

Very similar experience here with my return to the hobby.  All I remember doing as a kid were Mknkgram, Revel and Testors kits.  Tamiya was around (I think) but I seem to remember their kits being too expensive and my Dad wouldn't shell out the cash for them back then.

So many to choose from now.  I'm looking forward to doing an Eduard kit with all the nice glossy color directions and extra detail PE.