Chris, owning a Mustang doesn't mean you have to leave our group.
I agree with a lot of your impressions. The sound and the power are impressive. I prefer the smaller Z's steering feel as well.
I wouldn't want to take the trade-in hit either, and that is why I haven't done the swap myself. Plus, imo, the Z is gorgeous in comparison. That is subjective opinion only, and it's a shallow point, but it's part of why I like the Z.
But Mustangs are awesome performers. They are faster cars for bargain dollar.