Over a rtr radio the "feel" of an aftermarket upgraded radio is worth the money to me. Honestly for 95% of people the 3S and 3R will work the same. Both have the features that you'll use most often. I've driven with both and personaly like the feel of the 3R vs. the 3S. and I like the layout of the menus on the R.

Maybe you'll have a REALLY good x-mas and you can solve all your problems and just buy a Futuba 4PKS