Having just made the transition from plug in compressor land to Distressor land I can say that it is a worthwhile trip. I have only had my stereo pair distressors running for a week and they sound amamzing on many different sound sources. You do lose some of the flexibility that you get with compressor plugs but in some cases it will be worth it.

I started with distressors first just because of their perceived flexibility (i.e. sounding like a few other classics out there while still maintaining it's own sound as well). I am currently investing in my compressor section and after researching, talking to friends in the engineering trade and listening I am considering the following;

Manley Vari Mu (W/t-mod)
Groove Tubes Glory Comp
Tube Tech CL2A
Universal Aucio 2-1176

Cheers and good luck!