Pre-outs are there in case you want to run external amplifiers, instead of the ones built into the AVR. Who knows, you might want/need more power later.
Obviously I can't comment on every receiver out there in your price range as I only own one, but I can CERTAINLY recommend it. I have the Pioneed Elite VHX-01, and it is a fantastic receiver. It processes/decodes all the current stuff, has pre-outs with triggers, is VERY easy to setup, sounds fanstastic, has USB inputs, multple HDMI ins, and is just plain gorgeous.
The only thing I feel I am missing with my VHX-01, is that it doesn't have built in networking capabilities. I think you might have to go all the way up to the SC-05 to get that, which is also a stellar AVR.
OTher then that.. I have zero regrets going with my pioneer.