I have 2 gators and a gator mate.
As far as carrying, there is very little weight compared to a 110/LB8.
The gator mate is absolutely one of the finest small game knives I've ever owned. My 11 year old has that one now.
The first gator I bought was a first production run drop point ATS-34. That was also my first foray into ATS-34. I was somewhat disappointed with how soft the blade is. I'm not a real fan of the drop point either. In spite of that, it takes an edge that'll shave the paper underneath stamps. The bead blast finish has long since been mirrored along the edge.
My other gator is the 440 clip point. It's a decent knife. I'm not a big stainless fan but it's about the best that's ever been made by Gerber, IMHO. The handle is perfect for bloody/wet environments. There is a lack of tactile feedback, though.
Neither of my gators get a lot of carry time. I have 8 or so Benchmade knives that have seen far more usage. They're all ATS-34. They were all quite expensive, and get treated with more care than they deserve. I've had lots of problems with my Benchmades coming apart.
When it comes time to put a knife in my pocket, most every day I grab the Schrade LB8. I don't care for the stainless, it's tough keeping the brass pretty, and it's like having a brick in my pocket. It's also the first one I grab whenever I need a knife. It's tended to more game than any other folder I own. I'm also not afraid to use it. It's got decent tactile feedback. The staglon scales provide a good grip. It's a tank.
The pocketknife I miss the most is my old Schrade green bruin. I loved the high carbon steel.
Whoops... I went offtopic there. Sorry about that!
Gators are good knives for the price. I'd stick with the 440 and the clip point unless you need a scalpel. The ATS-34 drop point can take an incredible edge.
