Although it is not explicitly summarised in the thread, my interpretation of the release sequence is as follows:

1. mkv - 16GB 720p mkv, movie only

2. AVCHD - 8.5GB 720p basic Bluray structure, movie only

3. Bluray - 25GB 720p advanced Bluray structure, movie with extras

Corrections to this view welcomed.

Since the AVCHD will be about half the size of the mkv, then the mkv will be higher quality?

ClownBD can convert mkv-->M2TS-->Bluray without transcoding loss.

M2TS has an additional timestamp field designed for random access in PVRs, players etc, so theoretically has more stable navigation than TS or even mkv. It is curious that some members mention mkv as being better, but perhaps it comes down to the (limited) implementation of M2TS in the players.