Sol Aureus and I got around to our next round of testing:
using similar rotations, Sols ACN was at 182(DPS), his SMN did 207 (DPS) (including pet) at roughly ilevel 60 (when we were doing our tests we had some gear conflicts so we went without helm to best match up both stats).
Then for giggles, he threw on his il90 gear and showed me max potential.

I will resign both SCH and ACN vs SMN debates for myself. SCH -> smn is pretty close, but the extra 40-60 dps from the pet pushes it over. ACN is much closer but still a little bit off. Maybe it's the rotation, I dunno. for now, I think I've looked into it enough to satisfy my curiosity.

Interesting note, in his full il90 gear Sol's garuda peaked at 94DPS after spur+rouse was used.

Thanks Sol!!!!!