OK, I get you guys who root for the rMBP, I really do, but those are my thoughts:
1) By Apple's own definition, the 17" MBP is the only Mac before rMBP that can be called "retina" (meaning individual pixels indistinguishable at normal working distance). I will find the link to Apple's own math if you won't believe me. Therefore, the perceivable difference in resolution should be minimal. Remember: This is by Apple's own math.
Math aside, I see a very big difference between my 17" MBP and the retina. The retina is a significantly better experience for me.
2) 17" is and has always been about screen estate. The old question "15 vs 17 MBP - What to get" is the same, regardless of resolution.
Again, I have both (had, now, actually) and the 15" retina has more usable "real estate" for me than the 17". I discussed why I packed up my 17" and switched to the retina
in another post here.
3) The weight of the 17" is not bothering me one bit. Annoying comment coming up: If the weight difference between this and the rMBP really bothers you, you might want to hit the gym. Annoying, yes, I'm serious though.
I humped 17" MBPs around for three years. Weight was not a driving factor for me... until I actually swapped the 17 for the MBPr. It really is a huge difference. My shoulder no longer gets fatigued schlepping my briefcase around airports.
4) 17" + SSD (especially if you've got a SATA III MBP (2011)), and you will have a hard time feeling any difference between
It really comes down to this:
rMBP:
+Lighter
+Better performance (albeit very minimal in daily use)
+Thunderbolt (might be a deal breaker for some, others already have it)
+Better vents and presumably temps
+Newer tech (let's face it, a big plus)
17" MBP:
+Screen estate
Not in my experience. The MBPr is better for me in this regard.
+Better battery life
+No lag (next generation will solve this, undoubtedly)
Honestly, this "lag" thing has taken on a life of it's own, much like the JFK conspiracy theories. I don't experience any lag and it seems that most MBPr owners on this forum don't either. Granted, some do and it would be good to get to the bottom of it.
+1080p can be displayed properly (big plus)
+Games will run smoother (2010-2011-models) (even with newer graphics in rMBP - That amazing res takes a LOT)
+Better speakers
I'll grant you this one. The speakers on the 17" are awesome. The MBPr is much better than any other 15" but still not as good as the 17.
+Better keyboard (more tactile - subjective)
Yeah... very subjective. I like the MBPr better.
+Easily repaired and upgraded (replacing battery in rMBP? OUCH!)
The reality for most people is that they're not going to replace their own battery. It then becomes just a matter of cost. Apple quotes $129 to replace a 17" battery and $199 for the MBPr. So yes, the 17" is ahead by $70, but I hardly consider that an "OUCH!".
+You will save a lot of dough keeping your trusty 17" (!!) MBP
It's hard to argue with this one. Except I generally sell my computers every year at a net cost of about $500. Since the MBPr is less expensive than a similarly equipped MBP, the MBPr actually comes out ahead for me.
To me, this is a no-brainer. Apple always tempts me, but this time it wasn't a hard decision at all to stick with my old'n'beautiful Mac. But that's just my opinion 😉
I'm glad you're happy. I went the other way and I'm happy too. Ain't life grand?