Tom -
To start with, I'm a Gortex fan, bigtime, for all my outdoor weather gear. So you know I'm prejudiced to the L2 over the Freestone.
BUT - I have a pair of Simms Lightweight waders, which I am pretty sure are the predecessor to the L2 ( comparing features and price and place in the Simms line-up ).
I put over 300 days on the Lightweights before I got a good buy on a pair Classic Guide waders. And the Lightweights are still quite serviceable - good for warmer weather, not so good for temps around freezing or below.
For the extra $50, I think you will be delighted with the product you get.
John
The fish are always right.