The Gold pot with the discrete array relays alone would be a significant price increase in terms of cost, but the Gold is just a better performing product sonically even if you disregard the higher sample rates which is not yet a major concern of mine, despite the fact some recording studios already pushing those boundaries (
http://www.2l.no/). The remote is a nice touch but not a deal clincher for me vs. the Plus. In terms of features the full size USB-B socket vs. mini is a big deal since the Locus Design Cynosure cable has no mini version. Having all these connectivity option in both analog and digital inputs and outputs allows for major flexibility, and that alone is worth the extra cost IMO. That is why I had to get rid of the excellent Grace M903, the chassis just had no room for all the Zodiac line has to offer in terms of connectivity. So, it may well be worth to "go for the Gold" and not having to upgrade much sooner if you decide to add something like the Dark Star into the mix.
Your second point is fully valid; these aspects solely depend on the individual with budget being the usual overriding concern. But every time I decided to "do the practical thing" and opted for the cheaper alternative, I ended up spending more due to having to resell the device and take the loss in order to get what my instincts told me to get in the first place...
