My wife and I just learned that we need a new furnace. I'm looking at Lennox and Carrier. From what I read in Consumer Reports, the brand doesn't matter as much as the installer does. Any comments on this? Are the 'off brands' of major manufacturers lower quality than the flagship brand (eg. Comfortmaker vs Carrier)

We're going to get a 90 + efficiency unit, but we would like to know if any of you have opinions on the following:

Are the two stage units worth the extra money? How about the variable speed blower?

I went with a Bryant 80% unit 10 years ago. So far, I had to have one new $300 circuit board, perhaps due to lighting damage. The higher efficiency furnaces are more expensive and may have higher upkeep. I am no fan of CU, but their comments on the installer could be correct. If an installer carries a couple of brands, maybe go with his recommendation. I am not seeing too many questions here on off brands.