Hey mate. Actually pretty much in the same boat at the moment, but have already made the decision to go with instructor rating for the following reasosns:
1. I am convinced there are job opportunities when I finish.
2. The job would be relevant to the rating I am getting. I.e. I would be frustrated getting MECIR only to not be able to find IFR work until 500 hours(some 200 hours away). Instead I could get my intructor rating and instruct straight away.
3. Possible discount on MECIR if I do it at a place I'm employed at plus tax write off if I understand correctly.
4. No need to relocate to the middle of the country. That would be cool, but not right now.
5. I can plan to keep IFR current so getting at least 1 renewel before applying to a charter place
Course everyone is different and it depends on who you listen to. I have listened to people here and 'real' people and made my decision. Find out the hard way I guess.
Good luck.