The 6 models were not "refined" though, they were completely redesigned and revamped. Refinement is the defined character of the "S" models, which is why, to me, if I had to choose a single release cycle to follow, it would probably be the S line, since you'd get the newer design device with all the refinement of the "S" models bring to the table each iteration.
If you enjoy refinement, the S models are the way to go. If you like total revamping of the entire slate, the non-S models are the way to go (since those are always the redesigns).
When I said 6 models, I totally meant the S models. I think my statement makes a lot more sense now, lol. I love the 4, 5 & 6 models because of the new model changes, but the
S are great because of the refinements. Really both are great choices because you get great experiences either way. Though like I said for some I see why they might not be as excited about the S models because aesthetically they look the same and you might not think of it as a different phone, but its all about the refinements. lol
Honestly I don't have this problem, because unfortunately for my wife I have to buy a new one every year.
I use to switch back and forth between an iphone and the newest and greatest android phone. I still love android and like to play with all the new phones, but I just dont buy them anymore. As much as I love android, I honestly am so use to the way ios works and the way the apps work and look that I can't use android as a personal phone anymore.
I think that says a lot about how far ios has came along, yes it has used a lot of android features(and vice versa), but it is almost as complete and stable as a mobile OS as there is.