A couple of thoughts... I replaced my S1000RR with the 1199. When I started the demo 1199 I knew I had to have it. I bought a Ducati because I absolutely love Ducati's. Every time I start it, ride it, look at it, track it, I love it all the more. And I ride the snot out of it.
And like others here I've had my share of maintenance issues... Clutch master needing to be bled all the time, leaking coolant, leaking oil from rear cam / valve cover, lots of awesome heat from stock and Termi exhaust (just got the heat stuff installed last week but haven't picked it up to try it), oh, and the blinker issue too!
I didn't buy the bike for the fastest lap time, nor most comfy ride or the most reliability.
And Stw, if it helps, Sofi and Jeff wouldn't be disappointed if you got the Ape!
Tom