In reply to tkchips:
Various things to consider.
1. Boots almost certainly will be cheaper in Bavaria/ Austria than UK. Leaving aside the issues of warehouse dealers eg SportConrad, Bergzeit, Blue Tomato etc and their impacts on UK retailers - the fact is that there is a larger market and greater demand out there for this stuff, so you get a better choice and lower prices.
2. If you get them from a decent place in Austria near where you're working, then you can easily have repeat visits as required to get them fitted well. May be worth asking on snowheads for recommendations about local boot fitters, as there are a few Austrian residents on there.
3. Beyond the obvious sole difference, there is (IMHO) only a little flex/stiffness difference between Maestrale RS and Freedom RS; clearly others may disagree (FWIW, I'm 188cm/ 98kg and ski 30-40 days/ season). I ski M-RS as my only boot, for resort skiing and touring; I have tried but do not own F-RS. Think about where you want to use these boots, and for what kinds of skiing. I went for the M-RS because I reckoned it was more comfortable walking in Scotland with the rockered sole (where you are more likely to walk some distance to/from snow), but still substantial enough for on-piste and lift-served freeride fun. I do regret, though, that the rockered sole precludes easy hiring of skis with normal alpine bindings. If I was using them mainly for Alpine touring then I'd be very tempted by the F-RS, not least for that reason. As it is I have dynafits on the touring skis and Salomon Warden MNC bindings on the resort skis.
4. As everyone else has said, get the boots that fit you - which may not necessarily be Scarpa.
Finally - enjoy your year in Austria! where are you going to be based?
Post edited at 19:05