If money is no object, then you really have to go for a Frex or some similar custom controller. There's also the TSW that many long time sim racers swear by. But in this sub-$1000 category there are Fanatec, Thrustmaster and Logitech as the serious players.
-If you have good pedals that are stiff, the load cell brake is not necessary. I have had a load cell CSP set, I also modded my current pedals with a load cell. I am equally fast with these T500 stock (non-load cell) pedals as I was with a load cell, or with the CSP's with the load cell. But a G25/27 has poor pedals and benefits from a load cell mod.
-The G25 shifter IMHO was awesome. Mine lasted 5 years before it got flaky. I got an adapter from Leo Bodnar and I still use it like a button box.
-I had an Act-Labs shifter that broke the first time I used it. It was flimsy, cheap and over priced. Act-Labs support was slow and I had to pay to send the defective unit back for a refund.
-I have a Lightning SST now and it comes with a lifetime warranty and it works really well so far (I got it for xmas so limited use).
-That's why I choose it over the TH8RS, though I hear good things about it.
-There are myriad other shifters around, but these seem to be most popular. For a sequential, check out
www.derekspearedesigns.com
-The Fanatec shifters look awfully designed and cheap- I have heard bad things about them and well- look at them. I wouldn't touch them with a 10' pole.