I only set the AO at 300 when the target was at 100 just to see the effect, which was very noticeable. What was odd was that the scope that did not have an AO was not any different at 300 yards than the one with AO that was set to 300. Effectively my conclusion was that at the range and magnification I was testing the AO scope did not help at all if it was set right and hurt you if it was set wrong - basically there was no upside to the AO at all (and it's more expensive to boot).
Possibly the answer is in the first reply in that it becomes a bigger factor at longer distances and higher magnifications - neither of which are an issue for me. Also, like the first poster said, if you don't move your head around on the stock it isn't an issue at all.
Unless someone blows a gaping hole in what I believe I observed I am going with the non-AO model.
