Yeah, I think you're right guys.
Thinking about it as well - changing volume/tracks will be tricky if it's in my pocket (I always have my iPod/phone next to me when I'm listening to music on it, and not in my pocket while I'm walking about etc. so this is never an issue for me), and I'll probably want the cord routed up my tshirt so it's not dangling all over the place, making the mic button (almost) useless.
If I get a shuffle, it's light, not $600, basically nothing to damage/go wrong, and I can clip it to the bottom of my shirt for changing tracks/volume...as well as keeping it clipped to the treadmill ready for whenever I need to use it!
Might try and find one on eBay, or just get one of those new RED ones. Still, $79 does seem a lot just for 5/10 mins a day...