IMO you've made the right decision. I was in the same position 3 years ago when the 998 had just come out. I was told by a friend who worked in a Ducati dealership that the 996 was a far more robust eengine as Ducati had spent years developing it and I have seen a fair few broken down 998's in my time. They're all great bikes but I just think that the 996 is more robust. My 996s is my only road bike and I ride it all year round. I have ridden it down to the SoF from London on numerous occasions and the only problem I've ever had is a rundown battery!!!
Good luck
