To be honest, I personally didn't like avid. I feel more comfortable with premier pro, but that's just my opinion. It's interface seemed a little murky for me.
If you are editing in 24p, I'd recommend Premiere Pro 1.5. It will play back what you are editing on your monitor whereas with Avid, you need special hardware to view a 24p project on an external monitor. For that reason alone, I'd stay away from Avid...although I love working with it for regular 29.97 projects.
Moe,
Premier isnt the best app for 24 P in fact up until 4 - 6 months ago it didnt support it at all.. I recommend you study your decision well.. I think you should take a look at VEGAS.. no question that for stability and audio.. it wins hands down!