We were the same as BEEwitched. I wanted parent facing, but all of my other desires turned out to take priority (lightweight, sturdy, incredibly practical, easy to fold and carry... which we found in the BJCM). Originally I was going to go for the Cosatto Giggle, and as much as I liked the look of it, comparing it with the BJCM was no contest, as the BJCM was just so much more practical.
However we got a carrycot (the deluxe, which is a sold bodied pram-style one) which is parent facing and we used it until 6mo. It's very easy to take the seat unit off, so we didn't have the seat underneath, just the carrycot on top. We then put the seat on at 6mo when DS went into the seat. He faces outwards, but actually it's fine, he likes looking out, I talk to him still from above, there is a window if the hood is down, he sits facing us when we stop for food, or on the bus... I don't know why I thought he would be so cut off from us! Even on longer walks it's fine.
It costs us about £350 in total (BJCM + deluxe carrycot). The carrycot comes with adaptors for the Maxi Cosi and one other (can't remember which).
Basically, go for whatever best suits your requirements, even if you really love the look or idea of something else. And really test out the wheels, how to fold, how to remove/attach seat units etc in store, it makes a big difference. I have so very many friends who chose with their hearts (if you can put it that way!) and have gone on two buy 1, 2, 3 etc more pushchairs because they're not quite right. I still pass buggies that make me go 'oooh' but I really can't imagine using anything other than what I have. Now that DS is 1yo we have a secondary, super light (4kg) stroller for short trips, again purely for practical purposes, had to breeze past the super pretty ones!