That's interesting, because I've heard the opposite. It's true that TTI bought Milwaukee, and since TTI makes the homedepot house brand tools (Rigid), I'm told Lowes won't be able to sell Milwaukee anymore. But I've also heard from the contractors who work at HD that while TTI wants you to think Rigid is better (after all, they designed them), a lot of the Rigid tools aren't as good yet. Clearly HD want's you to like Rigid more since you can get the Milwaukee tools for less at other retailers. You can't get the Rigid tools anywhere else, and if TTI want's to keep their contract with HD, their reps had better push the Rigid line!
That said, I think most of the Rigid tools are great, and they're usually a good value. I just liked the Milwaukee router set more than the Rigid one. I liked the 800 series Porter Cable system too, and it's dust collection looked better to me. The Plunge release lever spring is a bit stiffer on the Milwaukee, but other than that, it just seemed to be a little better designed than the Rigid. The fixed base is definately more comfortable, but I seldom use that.
Most of the reviews that include the Milwaukee and Rigid favor the Milwaukee, but that's absolutely no reason to choose one or the other. People have had problems with both designs, so pick the one you like better. I almost bought the Craftsman, but it sounds like some people here had bad luck with them. Might be model dependent. I think I heard or read someplace that TTI makes some of the craftsman tools now. If that's true and the craftsman looks identical to the Rigid, it might be. In this economy, unless they have non-compete contracts, I'll bet TTI will make a house line for anyone.
Editing to add: http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_journ...661.html?page=1
They liked the Bosch the best. I hear good things about it too. So now you can be really confused, but remember, it's just a router.