"What I DID like though was the GPS generated position reference - so with no effort I could tell ATC 5 miles south of ..."
You can do that with the 296.
Also, I fly a Jab with a clear roof and my friend flies a Shadow. We both have a 296 and can read the screen ok. The 196's LCD is probably clearer in sunlight, (if you can make out the different grey scalling for airspace with direct sunlight on it).
Having colour to define airspace makes up 10 fold for any clarity issues on the LCD compared to the 196.
The best GPS in strong direct sunlight (colour or B/W) is the Garmin 96C, Go check one out. Really is superb.