As usual, thanks for all of the feedback. Just a few general thoughts:
1) Chances are, most of these options are borderline overkill for my purposes.
2) In general, Kobalt items seem to be dwindling at local Lowe's stores. Rumor is that they are slowly being replaced by more Craftsman. If this is true, perhaps that is a long-term consideration.
3) The newest oil-free compressors (especially the HF 27 gal fortress) seem to deliver superior output and noise specs than the oiled models. I know that oiled compressors are supposed to be superior, but for light-duty applications, is it possible that the newest oil-free are superior for my purposes?
4) It appears that the Dewalt/Husky compressors are very similar (even down to the same Assembled in USA stamp) while the Kobalt models are different. Who is supplying the compressors to these big-name brands?