Reply about your bullet points ^ Caveat: I have zero experience with induction.

Depends on your fuel. Propane produces a hotter flame than natural gas. I have used both.

Simmers, eh, I have a very old (32 years) Hardwick, and I use a heat diffuser when I need a low heat for simmering, depending on the cookware I'm using.

I agree with pita to clean, because my range does not have sealed burners! That option was available, but was above my budget when I bought it. I think they are pretty much standard nowadays, though. :)

I guess a comparison of costs of electricity vs natural gas/propane could be a factor in OP's decision. It was in mine.