I would also agree that going from a C182 to am SR20 would be a
downgrade. The SR20 is much more comparable to a C172 with the
exception of speed. As far as utility goes, the C182 is unbeatable in
that class. Look at weight, weight & balance issues, short field take
off and landing distances, winter operation, rough airfield operation,
etc. etc.
Be very careful about your view of the parachute. Cirrus airplanes do
not have a better safety record than other airplanes. Two main
reasons, a) parachute equipped airplane pilots tend to assume greater
risk ("all I have to do is to pull the handle") and b) it is a very
difficult decision to actually pull the handle and many pilots so far
in Cirrus airplanes have not pulled it when they should have.

Gerd
ATP, based in CZBA