Kind of an old thread, but I had to reply to this.
I went with a 617 because I also have a 686, and the 617 makes a great training tool. It's a slightly smaller frame (K to L) but the weight and balance is the same. The trigger is kind of heavy on the 617 (for reliability, as someone said) but it makes the 686's trigger feel that much better. If you decide to go DA, go Smith.
And yes, having an SO who's supportive of shooting is a wonderful thing.