I had a similar experience when I was getting a new car, whereas I did not know if I wanted to spend the money on a more expensive car. At the time, there was no TL-S, only the TL, and after having owned a 98 Accord myself, I chose the GS.

Some of your points were well taken. I used to think that steering wheel controls were useless, until I used them. Too bad my GS doesn't have them.

I have also always thought that the GS's gauges were wonderful. Never did I have any type of glare where I could not see them.

I also wish that Xenon were standard in this car.

CD changer in the glove box is still convenient, especially if you want to load many CD's at once. Still better than the Germans, who still insist on putting it in the trunk.

But, the GS is a true drivers car, while not knocking the TL-S, is RWD verse FWD. FWD better in snow? Of course. RWD better in any other situation? Without a doubt.

Don't let these little things convince you out of the GS. When comparing the GS with the 5 series, I was more than willing to give up certain things (like a good stereo and good cupholders) to get the 5 series. Even though I went with the GS, it is the same type of comparison. Even in that 80k S-class, you don't get things that an Accord has (like good cupholders).