I'd imagine the responses you'll get on here will be a touch one sided. As they would also be, but flipped round, on a Scooby site.
Only you can realistically decide what's best for you.
Personally, I prefer not to have a cheap "farmers" interior (albeit with bucket seats). But then there is little denying the potential of the STI's engine.
Just k04 it, and you'll be happy as a pig in the back of a scooby.