You need to take into account the lenses that where used in the comparisons too, unless the same lens was used on both models (and it would have to be a third party manufactured lens as Canon and Nikon lenses are not interchangeable) then that could be a big factor.
One other point...if you are going the DSLR route (and from my reading of your threads it looks like you have made your mind up) then learning and experimenting with RAW files is part of the fun. If both cameras are capable of producing similar results when working from a RAW file...then it shouldn't concern you. Also although I am a Canon user myself, I would guess that the Nikon offers the ability to increase the amount of in camera sharpening applied to jpgs (as the Canon does)...someone else here with a Nikon will be able to confirm this for you.
You'll probably have your hands full learning how to get the best from either model before you need to worry about the processing and in all honesty, both cameras are superb
