Bob, I like your taste in blades! I haven't seen or handled a HI GS, so I'm half ignorant here. Looking at the lit that Bill sent me, there are some similarities in the blades, like the basic shape, cho, and beautiful deep fuller.
Some differences you might consider are: the Cheetlang is 2oz lighter, 1" shorter, and the handle styles. It's super nimble and I can stop a stroke on a dime. The butt shape gives great leverage for lateral movement that's noticeably better than other handle styles, and I almost have to try to release it before it can leave my hand. It's also remarkably comfortable. The wide spine gives it extra strength even though it's so light, as if mixing a sirupati and AK. All my khukuris are different, and this has become my favorite. It's been called "the great one" for good reason, and everybody who checks out all mine pick it out of the lineup every time (even my non-knife wife). For all its strikingly good looks, it handles every bit as well.
Even though similar, perhaps the primary factor is weight. Upon first getting into khukuris, I was very surprised to verify that a few ounces really change the handling characteristics so much. This isn't a bad thing, and boils down to taste. I keep hearing big guys say they like their khukuris bigger and heavier, and the converse seems to be true as well...but there are exceptions. (I'm an average 6' and 180#)
They've both earned great reputations, and I doubt you'll be displeased with either choice. And to let it all hang out, right here in front of God and everybody, I would have the very same dilemma if buying #1.
Maybe somebody who has both will speak up. But I hope this isn't taken negatively, as I certainly don't mean that to be in any way. At best, this is only half of what you're looking for. As usual, I only see and know in part....Dan