Thanks for all the posts regarding why real big binoculars are better than one bigger scope with a splitter. As I said in my original question, I can readily accept that two eyes are better than one. I can also readily accept that big binocs are wonderful to look through (I hope to try some at the Texas Star Party). I must admit, however, that save for an argument that splitter devices have excessive loss (why not just a little more than a factor of two?) and can introduction distortion (truly dominant in the overall optics system? sloppy design/low quality optics?) I am not left with alot to sink my teeth into. I am willing to just chalk this up as one of those mysteries, particularly until I can get some direct experience.
Steve PS I did see an interesting variant of a twin scope at a star party. It was two scopes strapped together so that two people could simultaneously view the same object under the same conditions. It was a great way for parents/ teachere to share astronomy with their kids.