A ride is a ride but with "well done" theming it can become so much more. But the key is it needs to be done well. Otherwise it detracts from the ride.
Gatekeeper for me it comes down to what I will most likely be able to ride in the near future. Plus my main park is SFGA so I really want to compare the two winged coasters.
Does Universal give behind the scene tours like the one just posted in sea world? I would be intrigued to see behind the scenes of all there construction. I know that is a newb questions.