All things are basically equal
And that is what I have to work with as I continue to ponder the solution to the mid-career crisis.

One option: Go back to a place I've already been -- a place I liked a hell of a lot, and was very comfortable, and that has changed a lot over the last three years, largely for the better.

The other option: Stay at a place where I've always wanted to work, a place that has frustrated me greatly over the last year, but one with a hell of a lot of potential and (finally) some interest expressed from above in making some changes.

In a crappy economy, I have a choice of two very, very good jobs. I can't complain about that at all. But I'm faced with a decision, and it's time to decide.