I'm having more problems with clearance issues on my old conestoga wood burner insert- it seems I measured wrong on the distance(depth) at my flex connector. The slope(60deg?) of the steel fireplace backing is running into my connector point; I will have to cut out section of steel backing for clearance. I have no idea about combustibles in that area (near throat) of the fireplace, so I'm considering selling the old insert and buying either a hearthstone 8490 (Clydesdale) @ $2,158 or a Jotul C 450 @ $2,105 (incl. extra surround) from existing stock @ a local hardware; does any one have preference among these two or a better deal on cast iron inserts with imm. avaliability? I'm sort of leaning toward a new insert now, rather than switching in the next couple of years (if financing pans out).