Paul .... I compared the Swaro 8X32 EL SV and the Swaro SLC 8X42 WB a couple of times but I was never able to dismiss some of my issues with the 8X32 to the point that I wanted to buy one. I did ultimately get a Swaro SLC 8X42 WB HD (prior version with the close focus).
The most notable comparison was about three years ago at a show. The vendor across the aisle from the Swaro table had a very black back cloth covering the wall behind their booth. The material had a low cut fine nap similar to a fuzzy microfiber cloth. There were also thin vertical indentation lines in the backdrop about a 1/2 of an inch apart (13 mm). The show was inside a convention room with ceiling lights everywhere.
The first view was with the SLC and I turned around and focused on the wall. The black showed as nice and black, the fuzz was sharp as could be and so were the thin lines. I then did the same with the 8X32 EL SV and the difference was surprising. Rather than a nice deep black, the view had a noticeable milky type hazy look. I could not make out the nap or the lines. The detail was lost.
My theory is that the 8X32 had a difficult time handling all of that stray light from the multiple ceiling lights. I went to confirm my findings a couple of months later at a Cabela's store. They have multiple ceiling lights and some large windows above the main entrance and a mounted bear on the wall just to the right of the window. Again, the detail in the bear was more noticeable with the SLC however the difference was not as great as in the first test. I did take the time to adjust the diopters in both of these comparisons.
I suspect the 8X32 EL SV would do better in the real world outdoors but not as well as the SLC. There are several comments on the forum from members reporting glare issues with the 8X32. I do have a couple of larger model SV EL's which I think deal with stray light better than their little sibling, but I do pick up some slight stray light issues in them that I do not see in the SLC and other models There is a lot to like in the 8X32 but I just could bring myself to pay two grand for one that I thought could not handle stray light as well as some much less expensive models. I also picked up a little bit of a rolling ball image when panning, but not enough that it would have killed the purchase.
Actually, I liked the way the 8X32 felt and handled and I find the ease of eye placement in Swaro products to be about the best out there. Then there is the edge sharpness which is excellent. So there is a lot to like about the 8X32.
So by going with the SLC, I think you will get a binocular that will be better in handling stray light conditions and will be a little brighter in low light situations with the larger exit pupil. The SLC is fairly compact for a 42mm but it is noticeably heavier than the 8x32 EL SV. The SLC also has the advantage of no rolling ball if that is an issue for you. You do lose that excellent edge sharpness of the EL SV, but the SLC has one of the larger center views out there and the sharpness fall off is not that extreme. Everything remains sharp in the normal area of vision. Also keep in mind that the SLC has a little smaller FOV but the change is probably not enough to notice.
Like you, I personally prefer the simplicity of the old strap design, but it is not a big deal to me. Maybe if I used one for a while, I would be change my mind and be with John.
The new SLC does not have the close focus of the prior generation or of the 8X32 EL SV. Optically, the current and prior generation of the SLC are considered the same.
The bottom line for me is that I am very happy with the SLC. My only complaint is the focus is not as smooth as it should be for an alpha level binocular. That is also true for many of the EL's that I have tried, although the new ones are much better. If it does start to bother me, I can send it into Swaro under warranty here in the US and they can improve things.
If the lack of close focus on a new model is an issue, then consider the Zeiss 8X42 HT. Both are excellent and I consider them equivalent. If a more compact size is a priority, then the advantage goes with the SLC. If close focus and a slightly better light transmission is more important, then the HT wins out. You can not go wrong with either. I went with SLC because my brother has the HT and I thought it would be good to get something different and also because the seller made an offer I could not refuse.
