Actually, I think there are quite a few Corgi Loyalists out there, but recent additions to the 1:72 market have generated some buzz and new fans. Gemini Aces for example -- best Spitfire in 1:72 IMHO, particularly since they've refined the mold with each of the first few waves of releases. Hobby Master has also come into the fray with some exciting models. I think it all depends on what YOU want -- do you want to stick with primarily one brand and have a decent chance at your models actually retaining their value -- then Corgi's an excellent choice. Can't beat the pooch for options, and it has some of the best packaging and LE certs you're gonna get. If you are simply an airplane nut, like myself, the shotgun approach works best -- anything and everythig that catches your eye, regardless of scale, brand, or even era (yes, I'm that silly see
www.diecastace.com for evidence).
Also, if you want heavies then Corgi is really the only option -- least in 1:72 -- for now (and they do an awesome job with the bombers).
If you like Jets, particularly U.S. jets -- then Dragon, Witty, Hobby Master, and Century Wings (Tomcat) are really the way to go (Corgi makes a so-so Phantom, and F86).
As to the best molds for particular aircraft q: you'll find opinions really divided on that one. Here's my rundown in 1:72 for the best molds per aircraft type -- fighters only:
Best P-51D in 1:72: Dragon, hands-down
Best P-51B in 1:72: Gemini -- though Corgi's coming out with one, and perhaps HM, too??
Best P-38: Probably Corgi's new release, though the old matchbox's are nice, too, and Witty's coming out with one this year...
Best P-40: Corgi, though Dragon's coming out with one soon I think...
Best Hellcat: Hobby Master, Corgi (Predator series), then Matchbox
Best Wildcat: Dragon
Best P-47D/C: Dragon, then Corgi
Best 109: Hmmm... I'll defer to the 109 experts, but I like Gemini; then it's a toss-up for me between Corgi and Dragon
Best 190: Dragon, then Corgi
Best 262: Dragon, then Corgi (many will think the opposite here)
Best Dora: Dragon
Best Zero: I lilke Dragon, then Witty, then Corgi
Mosquito: Corgi
Spit: Gemini, Corgi, Dragon
Hurricane: Corgi
Stuka: Corgi, Dragon/Hobby Master
SBD: Hobby Master, Corgi, IXO
Modern:
F-16: Witty, Dragon
F-15: Witty, Dragon, Gaincorop
F-14: Century Wings, Dragon, Witty
A-10: Hobby Master, then Corgi
F-18: Dragon, then Witty
F-4: Corgi, by default
Harrier: Corgi
Probably leaving a lot out, but that's just a quick run through of my own collection... again, others will have vastly different opinions depending on what matters most to them.
However, I collect by the liveries and aircraft history that interests me the most (and sometimes, whatever's on sale)... so "the best mold" is a secondary question for me, really.