Easy to say "just buy a sport" but when it came to it the best car I personally saw was an SE. So as long as you're aware of the differences then just buy the best car for you.
In my case the SE had sport seats and 18in wheels so all I had to contend with was a different steering wheel. Which is neither here nor there. I can't really tell if the car is noticeably higher riding than a sport but I certainly wouldn't want the suspension any stiffer. So I was more than happy to buy an SE.
My Boxster S had the sport seats. I didn't realise they were the cause of my bad back until I sold it. At the very least I think the BMW items are better than the Porsche ones!
Well l love the sports seats they are superb, and I will agree that the 3.0si Sport is hard to find but be patient as you will find one, I did and I love it
I looked at quite a few cars before buying mine - including M's but the best looked after car I could find was an SE and I've never regretted buying it. Hubby used to have a sport and the drive isn't very different. Mine does have sports seats, which are good except on long drives.
I've bought an SE 3.0si and since then spend quite a lot of money on seats and suspension upgrades (had sport springs, now rolling on kw v2's) so definatelly would've bought sport if there was any worth buying at the time.