I think most folks who are outside of both groups, and looking on from a distance believe the 2472 would be better preserved at Niles Canyon. The proposed location is much damper, salt-air environment surround by some very vocal NIMBYS who really could care less about tourist dollars coming to their area. In a non-emotional, non-political view of the situation, figuring out how to stay put appears to be the best long-term solution.
Of course, this is just based on what one reads & sees from outside both groups.
Life is getting tougher for steam preservation and railroad preservation, and it doesn't look like it's going to be better anytime soon.
Of course, What do I know??