Hey guys, just wanted to say thanks for all the comments and ideas, it was good to read through and compare my inner feelings.
Ultimately I did go with the base 22 bike, and just wow, what a step above the 2020 bike I previously had. From the first ride I was leagues above the comfort I had before. The handling, fuel tank, it just flows even better than my R1. Dare I say it "almost" feels as good leaned over as my Aprilia did.
For me, the S variants were never too appealing because I do not care for the electronic ohlins and much prefer the Showa front fork for canyon riding. Just does its job better of absorbing the bumps. The wheels were the only tempting part for me.
The SP was tempting too, but I just honestly feel like I wanted the 22 updates and would eventually regret not going that path. Aesthetics are always important but its the riding experience sensations I crave more, and I think the newer bikes deliver in this regard with whatever magic they have done. And this may seem like a stretch, but I always figured that if I wanted too, I can build my own SP2 out of this base bike if I wanted too, with whatever carbon wheels or suspension I wanted etc. Sure it won't be limited etc, but whoever buys these things and thinks they will appreciate in value is just buying into the hands of the marketing machine; there is always a sp3 or sp4 around the corner.