Interesting thread that brought a few questions to mind. I like both companies and run SD in the GF's car and SD/AQ amps in my car and have NEVER had an issue with either brand.
Why would you list a power rating test result of 1700+ when it blew the fuses? I just find that confusing/misleading and could be part of the reason so many are being abused as they just keep trying to get more out of the amp.
Have you considered beefing up the amp to make it more "idiot proof" as judging by the amount of refurbs they're ending up in the hands of a lot of idiots? LOL
This one is a tough call as the SD 1200 is hard to beat at that price, but if it has the potential to hurt itself if pushed too hard then I'd lean towards the AQ as the price diff isn't enough to sway me, but for others it might be.
If the refurbs are available, money is tight, and you're smart with the amp then the SD is a very good deal. But man those AQ's are sexy looking....