Been a long time lurker here and have read all the threads on these smokers I could find. I'm on the fence between the 1975 and the 1969, my basic hold up is wether to get the 75 with a shelf or the 69 without, the 69 doesn't look like it has enough usable head space to use for much of anything where as the 75 appears to have more usable room, those with a shelf what have you been able to use it for and anyone have regrets with getting a 69 in regard to overall size compared to the 75. I have a meadow creek box smoker that I can run sides and such on if need be so I have some flexibility. Thanks in advance.