The main reason I didn't go for an R was the price. My budget was a bit like yours, started @ 14k (ish) then went up & up & up, & then I found my Mk2 GT200 with just about every option fitted. 18k seemed like a bargain to me :clap:
My wife, however, although impressed with the Z, obviously thought the budget should have been a bit more rigid, hence the "I want quads" plea on my signature.
I have about as much chance of getting them as PUG admitting problems with the jacking points :eusa-think:
Now I have my GT200, I love all the gadgets, and I know it's not quite as quick as the R, and doesn't have the same Kudos, but it is mightily fast, and with all the extras not available on the R, for me it was the right choice.
I can fully understand anyone wanting an R though, and I'm not ruling one out as a future purchase, although I do think my other half might take some persuading there.
I think the ads are correct, it chooses you, and when you find the right one, you will know. Happy hunting :beer: