I must be missing something on the math because the Deluxe is $649 and the standard is either $419 or $439 - and difference of either $230 or $210. Still likely agree that the tuners aren't worth it but means that one isn't missing the pickup for just $25 difference. It's the $230 difference that I couldn't justify in the beginning. I'll definitely add the strap pins, don't really have a choice because due to severe health issues, I rely on a strap not to drop my uke (even though this particular uke could survive that, I don't want risk it!) and the stiffening rod(s) I would think would help long term durability. For $30 the TUSQ seems like a good option and one that would be much more difficult to do later on whereas, my understanding is that tuners can much more easily be changed later, if desired. So, looks like I'll be springing for around $80 in upgrades, if the stiffening rods come in the same price as on the guitars (which could be less, given that ukes are smaller - though I'm not sure they'll go that way). Plus, even though the tuners sound like very cool technology, I'm not sure that will affect the actual "tone" of the uke like the TUSC nut/saddle would. Is that correct? Still learning...