I have not had the opportunity to shoot the Model 7 predator, but I used to have a 700 CDL in .222 and it was an amazing rifle. However, I still feel that the Savage is a superior firearm. The hand-forged barrels and low tolerances for their actions produce greater consistency in accuracy and reliability.
As far as your concerns about the Model 10 Predator specifically:
1. The Accutrigger is the cleanest breaking trigger that I have ever pulled and has zero creep (even better than the Timney and Jewell custom triggers that I have shot).
2. The first rifles of this model were available as a combo with a Simmons scope, then Simmons was bought by Leoupold, so they now use Pentax scopes for the combos. They are probably ok scopes, but I would go with optics from a third party. The early models were not available with the detachable magazine.
3. The tang mounted safety on the Model 10 Predator is wider than that on older Savage models, I have had no trouble working mine, even with heavy gloves on.
4. A good coyote rifle doesn't need the super heavy bull barrel of a long range varmint rifle or benchrest rifle, yet does need to be heavy enough to help stabilize for the occasional dog that hangs up. The Model 10 Predator is light enough to pack around all day and has rock solid balance.
I agree with the others that you need to shoot both the Remington Predator and the Savage Predator before you buy one. Just looking at the lower end models isn't a very good representation.
