The most important factor in picture quality is contrast. The Elite has better dynamic contrast (65000 vs 15000) while the Panasonic has better native contrast (11000 vs 6000). Generally speaking, native contrast is more important, unless you watch scenes where everything is dark and dynamic contrast really kicks in.
IR doesn't detract from picture quality at all. Yes LCDs have the advantage of not having to worry about IR and being more suitable as a computer monitor, but that doesn't equate to better picture quality. On the other hand, not being able to display cyan correctly is bad for image quality.
If the Elite is better, how come it didn't win the shootout? It is because all the reviewers are biased against the Elite?
In any case, the Elite vs Panasonic argument is moot, because neither or them comes close to OLED in picture quality. Why spend so much money on the Elite when you can get an OLED for the same price in 12 months? If someone offered you to swap your Elite for a Panasonic, and use it for 12 months, then upgrade it to an OLED for free, would you take the offer?
IR doesn't detract from picture quality? So a persistent channel logo hanging out at the bottom of your screen while watching a movie doesn't detract from picture quality? You're kidding, right?
As for the shootout, the Elite lost in the shootout because of its cyan issue which
technically is an issue. However even with critical viewing it is VERY difficult to notice without another TV sitting right beside it. IR on the other hand WILL be easy to spot and is very distracting. And if anyone is in denial about the issue, you can read more about it
here.
I'm not saying the Elite is perfect, however for me, the issues with the new Panasonic plasmas tip the scales in the Elite's favor. Did I mention the 3D on the Elite is outstanding? In the end, the main thing Panasonic has going for it is that it's cheaper. But I'd rather pay "a little" more for a larger display with fewer "major" (distracting) issues.
As for OLED vs LCD/plasma, good luck with that one.
Technically OLED should blow the existing tech out of the water. But as you can see, there are MAJOR differences on how a manufacture implements the tech. I'm sure it will be a few years AFTER OLED is released before they work out most of the issues.