Well, as I said much earlier in these posts, to me, the entire matter of selection is largely subjective and hence, we should approach the subject with a light heart.
I think what is factual is that the S costs more to purchase new and that over time, depreciation is a bit more variable given the nuances in projected future valuations. Operating costs are likely a bit higher for the S but even that can vary.
Generalizations yes, and to many, this is largely an academic exercise. Some cannot afford the extra $10K in any event, others think nothing of the higher costs.
That is all fine.
One of my earlier points is that I think the S is clearly the way to go when buying used, simply because the price differential seems so small to me on say, a 2002 S vs base.
But that is subjective too, in that $4-5K is NOT small to many.
To each his/her own, nothing to blow a fuse about, no?