For me I'd have the 1198 every time, out of the 120 bikes I've had around 20 have been Ducati's and I've had both the 1098 and 1198. They are all but the same apart from the engine, the 1198 is amazing in the midrange, the only bike I've known where you can start a wheelie at 80mph in 3rd, hook 4th and run to 140+, pointless but a good demonstration of the midrange. The 1098 is similar but you are buying a bike like this to be blown away and the 1198 does just that. The s models are nice for the wheels, the ohlins I can take or leave, for me they never work any better than the Showa stuff and the fork seals always leak, they do of course look better. If I wanted this shape bike I'd buy a base 1198
Test the Ducati waters by buying my 749, you can then trade up or away if you not a Ducati man and not break the bank
