I started muzzle loading 4 years ago. I still haven't hit anything, but that isn't the point of this thread. I think your decisions need to be based on what your timing and priorities are.

Simply put I HAVE to be on the Chehalis during the last 2 weeks of October, so that rules out rifle hunting for me. Then I had to look at the units that are opened around me for muzzle and bow seasons. I prefer the Satsop unit over the Capitol and Minot units, and so that is how I based my decision. The longer late season in the Satsop unit is muzzle loader. Bow hunting has a much better general early season than muzzle loader.

You have the Mason unit right next door to you for the late muzzle hunt. If you like that unit, maybe that sways your decision. If you are someone who prefers to travel to hunt to Eastern WA or whatever it is the same process, just look at the seasons in the units you enjoy hunting. I don't like to drive much more than a half an hour to hunt or fish, and so my life is set up that way.

As far as the gear switch goes, it is probably more expensive to get into bow hunting. Muzzle requires some significant but enjoyable time spent on the range, but not nearly the everyday shooting that bow hunting 'should' take.