Well, about the illumina
https://youtu.be/qcQsG90YG40?t=8m9s
https://youtu.be/5QNUa0CidjM?t=5m47s
The previous model doesn't have pinch zoom, it's not necessary for epub. You'll need it for anything else, just like on any tablet or smartphone.
Also, that resolution and super low dpi (160) I don't think it's okay for anything that's not an epub. I'd like to be able to read manga from time to time.
I'm not sure I understand the issue with dragging, the only ereader I've seen with proper dragging is the Kindle Voyage. The i86 it's true it gets all fussy while you are dragging, but once you let go it loads pretty quick, almost tablet speed, no big black flash in between.
I'm sure you've seen this video
https://youtu.be/bpW4y4NJPvE?t=7m8s
it has the performance first mode, which is pretty fast.
Also the dragging issue it's not there while browsing or anything like that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puFx7GKiNQg
I'm not sure about the light though,
it seems a bit bad, but good enough (to me at least)
http://s1321.photobucket.com/user/ma...5yjsu.jpg.html
I found that on the i86 post of this forum, a bunch of photos
You can see on the attachment that the frontlight doesn't look that bad.
I really like it, but it's expensive, but then I think to myself... it's not like the others are cheap. I will not buy another ereader in at least a couple of years, so I don't mind expending a little more.
The Inkpad it just doesn't have swag, I don't know, it's still a possibility
The Kobo does have the swag the Inkpad lacks, I really like it
I don't know, haven't made my choice yet, only thing I'm almost certain is that the Icarus is out of the equation, can't stand that resolution, low dpi and no pinch zoom (at least for me).