I agree with your choice. Once you get the equalizing cables seated and adjusted, the Rotary will be very easu to own. I actually think it has an easier equalizing system for a hobbyist to maintain than the Mohawk.
If a lift is slow to raise, often it just because they are supplied with economy power units (even if made on the USA they are often maginally applied) with weak or less than ideal HP motors that operate lower volume pumps. You can up size the power unit to help- but won't have that issue with a Rotary. Add enough of these correcting measures and the true delta really narrows.
As for how long a company is in business being a reflection of current health- there are plenty of situations where name only have been purchased and maintained. GLOBE for example has been around for a long g time. Many of the old in ground lifts in 1960'some and older stations in the North East. Other than owning the name, current company has little connection to its past.
Fwiw, the best resource for all lift repairs I'be had to do on both domestic and flavor of the month imports us this company - SVI.
http://www.sviinternational.com/