Would a 16 pipe card at 700 speed be so bad? Isn't it theorietically (Ahh, can't freaking spell) like a 32 piped card at a 350 speed? I maybe way off, but that's what I read somewhere.
I would honestly say to avoid any hassle, frusteration, or dissapointment, simply go with nVidia. The 7800 GTX is nice and the 20 piped 7800 GT expected to come out looks nice, too.
ATI has blown it, in my mind, and they don't deserve to have consumers waitng on them to the extent we all are. Maybe they'll get it down next gen. with the R600, but for now, they simply blew it, and if the rumor is true, then then there's nothing really to get excited about, eh?
*Awaits the flames