Hello
I have owned them both. I no ,longer have any Pythons.
The Python has a really good trigger pull, very smooth. That being said, when they get dirty, especially when using Bullseye powder, they get very hard to fire. It is probably because of the close specs on the internals.
The 686, will eat about any type of powder. The trigger might not be as good as the Python from the factory, but it can be fixed to be smoother.
Don't get me wrong, the Python is a very good revolver. It feels much different than the 686 when firing. And as you stated the price is crazy on them. I have seen some lately that are more reasonable, but still too high from what they should be.
The 627 is a very fine revolver also. It is an N frame as compared to an L frame on the 686.
My choice, the 686.