After doing some (limited) research and price comparison, would the Champion 3100W (no remote or electric start) be a frugal buy at $899 Costco or would you recommend something with remote/electric start? What are your thoughts on Firman?

I've had no complaints with my Champions, have had a pair for 8 years and no issues. Pulling the cord to start wasn't too hard, but some with physical limitations may prefer electric start, the remote is nice but not essential.
Haven't heard of Firman before.

I watched this review and you say you will likely go back to using your champions. Do you take both with you or just the one? Do you seldom use the generator for AC when south? I understand you are hooked to 30Amp shore power during the summer months. Would you ever consider a duel fuel generator so that you wouldn't have to carry stinky gas cans?

Check this recent thread and Energizer 2000 watt review and answered some questions - https://forum.loveyourrv.com/discussion/415/energizer-2000w-portable-generator-review
I don't really use enough fuel to worry about a dual fuel option. I usually just carry a little 2-gallon gas jug and serves my needs for a month or more.

When your video first starts Ray sounds like sea gulls chattering. Nothing like the chickens we had at Aileen Ranch when we did the solar setup on the ole Cougar. Nice flash light, we got one given to us by a couple at Glacier back in 2015 on our trip to Aileen and Eddies. As you say Ray Cheers. oh like the review and thanks for your work and you know we still catch ourselves looking for you know who in the video's..