Aerostars are wonderful airplanes. Nothing flies like them. And they were designed by Ted Smith that did the Commander, so there's that. Very well supported. But, they're thoroughbreds and very tightly cowled and rather complex planes, so not necessarily cheap to maintain. But for sure, if I had to go back to a pressurized piston, it would be an Aerostar.
The 685 is a bit of a mess. Not a great performer and very expensive to maintain. You'd be saving money operating a 690A, compared, my guess. I know how everyone hates the pre 690 models, but the 681 Turbine with the -1's is actually a great owner/operator aircraft. Cheap components (windshield is $11K vs $55K to replace etc), Hamilton Standard props that ar on inspection, no real calendar items except for spar inspection etc.