I feel that the 7.3 is where the range "gets serious". Conventional wisdom is that the 3 is the "odd duck" of the range, since the 4 gets the carbon fork and one better derailleur, but I didn't really feel that was enough of a difference to justify the extra expense (I remain unconvinced that the ally fork is that much worse, and the one better derailleur won't really feel any different and will likely last just as long). To my mind the 7.4 was the odd one - the 7.4 Disc would've been a better step up (but was way out of my price range). That makes me wonder why they've never offered a 7.3 with discs, since when I got mine they had the 2 Disc in stock at my store (I don't remember if they still make a 7.2 with discs).

You can count me as someone who doesn't mind the Bontrager H1 saddle, either. It seems to fit my rear end pretty well - no...er...functional problems after a long ride (I am careful to keep on my sit bones), and I don't think the firm padding is too harsh. I might start looking at other saddles, to see if I find one that fits better, after all you'll never know unless you look.

Now, the pedals, I don't much care for. My Diamondback has wide, flat pedals and I can wear most any shoes on those, but they're slick when wet. The pedals on the FX, however, are much narrower, and I have to wear athletic shoes to keep from hurting my feet (and it doesn't always work). I'm considering first going with some MTB shoes, which will have a stiffer sole to better distribute the force. I'll probably get ones that have the option for cleats, and swapping in clipless pedals later (probably the kinds with a platform on one end and cleats on the other, since I like being able to hop on my bike to run up the street without having to put on special shoes).