Replying to 1080 Length (I know, not again, but i need help)

I know this topic is old, but i have a few questions to add. I don't know whether to get the 171 or 181 (02/03 model obviously). I am 5'10' and 185lbs, but before you all yell 181 consider this. I live in the MW and have been skiing for about 15yrs, and I ski out West 1 week a year. Although I have been skiing for 15 yrs. i just started skiing the park last year and can only do a 360 w/ no grab. Okay, I talked to like 3 or 4 different guys at ski shops and they all said 171. I am basically 60% all mtn and 40% park but all i ski in the MW is park b/c everything else sucks. I know the 181 would be better for all mtn, but the shop guys told me the 171 wouldn't sacrafice that much performance and it would still be okay in moderate pow, do you agree? It would make sense that this years 171 would have about as much float as last years 177 b/c it is much wider all over. Also, I ski what pow and steeps I can when i'm out west, but let's not kid ourselves, when you only get 1 week out there you may not get a chance to do any. One last thing, I like to ski bumps also, I know the 1080 is not great for that, but if i did ski them w/ the 1080's would the 171 be a lot better for that or would it matter.

One last thing, has anyone out there that is my size skied the 02/03 1080 in 171, if so how was it?

Sorry , this is so long I just know if i don't explain why I am considering the 171 everyone will just say 181, 181, 181.....right away.

Thanks