Thanks for all of the replies. It looks more and more like I'll be buying a hard top.

 

Depends on how much bad weather and /or long distance driving you will do. Those are the two main benefits as I see it, the hardtop is a must for winter use, and very much a comfort thing for longer drives. I no longer drive my car in the winter but still use the hardtop when I go on longer journeys. It's so easy to take off at the destination if you want to that it's very much worth the trouble. I'd say get it if any of those two reasons apply.

 

It does not depend on anything; the answer is yes,
I could be safety, security, looks, visibility, quietness, warmth, coolness, uniqueness, whatever; I would definitely do it again!
You can work the dealer for a better price than $3,000. When I bought mine 6 months ago there was a Honda $500 rebate, call then, it might still be available.
IMO the Mugen hardtop is a waste on money, the style does nothing for me and you are still stuck with a plastic (Lexan) rear window and it is not made from aluminum.
Also IMO do not get a black version unless your car is black, if you want to know what the black would look like, go out in your driveway and put the soft-top up. A body colored HT is unique!