Just a little update after 3.5 years later. Still absolutely loving it, and can't think of anything else under £100k I'd replace it with.
The difference with the noise between the pre and post facelift i think was down to the exhaust baffles being newer and much less mileage. Now a few years down the line, and I've done a lot more miles the noise has definitely got more aggressive with the same amount of pops, burbles and crackles as the early one had.
The slightly different downshift I mentioned earlier in the thread, is still apparent, but I get round this by double downshifting, and it sounds absolutely awesome!
Personally for me, the facelift front, the engine upgrade and definitely the seats makes the post 2012 worth the extra. I think it's the sweet spot.
I'll come back and post some of the bits I've done at a later date.