Well Jake there's this one, from a guy that's got both and I gather he's got upgraded suspension on the BA.
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I have a 2008 America and a 2009 Thunderbird.

Here are my cons for the America.

One disc up front. When riding other bikes and switching back to the America, you really notice how weak front braking is.

Stock fork springs are way too soft. A slight tap of the weak front brake and the forks dip. Get these replaced with progressive for a much better ride.

Rear springs are way too soft. Go down a moderately bumpy road and you are continuously bottoming the springs. Progressive 440's were the perfect replacement.

OEM bags suck. The throw-over saddles mark the paintwork on the rear mudguard. They are also too small to be practical and really don't do the bike justice.

The indicators located on the handlebars? Please, this is a cruiser. I had a friend make me an adapter so I could relocate the indicators to the light bar.

The America lacks power on tap. This could be fixed with a big bore kit or getting some of those mad yanks who bore bonnies out to 1200cc to fix it - who knows? It lacks power!

With these all fixed, and with these items only, the America can hold its own against the Thunderbird. The America can also out corner a Thunderbird. With the aftermarket suspension, it takes a lot longer for you to grind the exhausts (after you have worn away the hero pegs - that is).

I have put 20,000 miles on my America in 14 months and only 500 miles on my Thunderbird since purchase. If you have the money, you could get either providing you can resolved the "cons". The sensible money is on the Thunderbird
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You've got to accept that many of us are delusional about the bikes we own ( whether it's a T-Bird, Speedy or BA or whatever ). Lots of us think our current machine is better than another model. That's what makes the world go round, our differences. Even if you find a bunch of riders with the upgrades you mention to report on their opinion of the Bird you're still going to get different reports. The only opinion that matters is yours at the end of the day mate. Try the T-Bird yourself and be sure to let us know what YOU think, I'm interested in your opinion, but if I decide to get one it'll be based solely on my opinion.

John

the trouble with the world today is apathy. but I don't care