^^ x2.
Go with what your mapper prefers to use.
If your mapper is happy with a variety of ecu's then its best to choose one for your setup which you are likely to use the features on.Theres no point buying an ecu you can offer this and that if you are not going to use the features it has to offer because its a waste of money!
What do you need a standalone ecu for? On most setups an Emanage will do the job perfectly. It's only when you start to run big power you will need the added features of such like coil on plug, control high and low impedence injectors, anti lag, launch control.
Personally the likes of Omex, Link, megasquirt, Haltech are the best, they are cheaper than the likes of Motec and Syvecs but offer just about as much features.