Very true, if you've been there, and done that, then i guess if you want to keep in the Ducati ownership, then there's only one option. And, yes the R has a kudos worth having i feel. Although it appears this year, Ducati have lost their way with the R, when compared to the S.
It's like, i'd rather have a '04 749R than a '05 749R (carbon v plastic). And the '04--> 999R's have a nicer swing arm.
Be interesting what really happens in 2007. What do we reckon the top bike will be then? A 'sedici R (not a RR one off).