Very true Cliff.
Shaft drive can be a key feature for longevity too, but does not necessarily cost a fortune as is the case with Cub Cadet's 2500 and 3000 GT lineups. Most manufactirers have dropped this platform based on the market in order to keep things as inexpensive as possible from the build standpoint or replacing heavy duty components for features like 4 wheel steering to give the machines more sales appeal to those who don't want to know about the inner workings of their tractor.
For just cutting the grass or light work like pulling a cart or such, a belt drive hydro is fine, I indeed use a small Craftsman hydro LT for those tasks. If one intends on bigger jobs with their tractor such as snowblowing, aerating, dethatching, tilling, or mowing on sharp inclines, or maybe just hypothetical peace of mind, one will appreciate the IMHO better shaft driven hydrostatic transaxle.
I sometimes look at things in an oddball way, but with some reason. Like with a car, the wheels often determine the overall look of a car, the powertrain and suspension determine its performance. With a tractor, the word to me is traction, which will ultimately come down to having a good means of power transmission where the key is more concentrated on the transaxle than the engine or anything else. I guess it all comes down to wants for the needed application, and what kind of money one wants to spend, and what an individual likes. And if that logic does not intrigue the wife, you get the most she says you can have
-Fordlords-