Robert - I had a Char-Broil Commercial gasser for about 5 years and a series of lesser gassers for years before that. I made the switch to using charcoal most all of the time a few years ago but kept a couple of gassers around. I still have the Char-Broil but haven't used it in over a year. I have a Weber Genesis Silver B and a Weber Q220. The Genesis was purchased off Craigslist and spruced up a little bit. The Q220 was a eBay purchase from Ace Hardware Closeouts.
Based on my gas grill experiences, stick with the Webers and look for a used on on CL or classifieds. Weber support is fantastic. To be fair, I rebuilt the Char-Broil and the support there was excellent as well. They replaced the brass burners under warranty because there was a plug in the end of the burner that burned out, and they were quick with the other parts I ordered. It's a good grill and it's my largest grill, so I keep it around, but it doesn't heat up as fast or as hot as the Weber Genesis. Of the three gas grills that I have, my favorite is the Q220. I use it about once a week to grill when I get in from work.
As far as the SS Performer is concerned, definitely rebuild. It's not expensive to do so - new grates, one touch system, even the ash catcher can be updated (maybe with a little mod if you need a new ash catcher holder ring or the bar that holds it - those old models are getting hard to find even at Weber). So long as the lid and bowl aren't rusted out, you should be good for another 5 - 10 years or so!
If you don't want to rebuild it,ship it to George! He knows what to do with it!
Good Grillin'
Pat
