Hard choice. And it might come down to price. If you find any of them at a good enough rebate, then that might be the way to go. You seem to have done a bit of research already, so you probably know the minor differences between them. Like you said the RAV cannot be used with a charger, and the RC comes with it. The other thing I don't like about the RAV (I use my Pronto with charger, so like you I think it is a good investment) is the fact that the two Channel buttons have become power buttons ,so "button name" -"function" will be less apparent (I cannot see a good reason to use those two buttons for power)
If you need beeps and timers, then you need a Pronto or RAV
If you need multiple jumps, back capability then you need an RC
Memory more->less for programming (extra space is taken up by IR database)
RC, Pronto, RAV
I have an original Pronto (without the DB) it is easy and relatively fast (compared to the rest of the Programming) to teach the remote the codes. Plus the file section on this site has a lot of components.
In case you did not get a chance, read the FAQ
[Link: remotecentral.com]Read the review:
[Link: remotecentral.com]Whichever one you choose is a good choice.