On the cross-shopping question, I have several I'm thinking about. Criteria for short-listing are pretty open as I need no more than 2 seats, but include:
4) maximum smiles per mile - fun to drive a key criterion
Smiles per mile is huge after the initial thrill of the new car wears off. And can differ for everyone I guess.
FiST vs BRZ is a tough one. As I really like both for their own reasons, but both share the high dose of fun to drive. For me it came down to the FiST having back seats, and having a lot of great deals on them right now. That and I don't want to wait any longer than I already am for the FiST. If they were both sitting in front of me, and they improved on the lack of torque in the BRZ for 15, and I didn't care about rear cargo/passengers, I'd likely lean the other way. Although, tbh I suspect I might actually enjoy driving the FiST a little more just because of dimensions.
For me, the GTI was a nice car, but I'd prefer a golf R everytime, and I don't think I'd feel right settling for a GTI when I could have had a FiST. If I went GTI , I would snag a left over mk6. Cheaper, and prefer the styling. But again... I don't see a GTI over a FiST as making much sense unless you need that extra space.
I personally am not interested in the next Stang, but I'd take a current 5.0 GT or Boss 302 over the BRZ if I didn't care about insurance/gas/cost.
Heck you can get some pretty huge discounts on the '13 GT's right now. I really wish now was an appropriate time for me to go mustang shopping...
Still love the Golf R, I'd prefer the 6 gen styling, but if they improve the 7R enough I'd love one. I just don't see myself paying that much for a Golf.
Don't like BMW's at all. They never do anything for me..
Vette easily trumps everything else on the list if you don't have any financial/fuel/passenger/cargo/winter/visibility requirements for your vehicle.
That car is just gorgeous imho. And although I don't think it would be the best city car, and is certainly the least practical... I would love to have one if I could justify it. Quite the gap in cost though! But beautiful car. Thing is, would you put it to use in a way that keeps it from getting dull eventually? A lot of car to put to waste if it doesn't get utilized.
Imho, it is hard to beat a BRZ / FiST / 5.0 GT right now... The best drivers bargains on that list and on the market right now..
The updated BRZ may not be priced as competitively, and if they properly update the vehicle, the wait is going to be BRUTAL..... if you don't secure an allocation very very early on. The fanboys are going to be all over them, and you'll be looking at 1 year wait lists and MSRP markups all over again. On the bright side, the car has a fantastic community. Endless aftermarket support, lots of get togethers, and lots of neat events. No doubt a fun car to own and will leave it's mark on car history.
The GT is a steal right now with all of the incentives and wiggle room... Looking at the build site... 7K off with current incentives, and that's even before haggling with the dealer and excluding any holdbacks. I am sure saving 10k off sticker isn't impossible right now with cars sitting on lots if you aren't picky about options. You could likely walk out the door with a GT for the same price as a BRZ right now... (Locally dealers don't haggle on BRZ's much).
But the FiST for me, is the new big deal. It won't be a dime a dozen, it's still the cheapest option, with some pretty respectable incentives on top of likely being the least common. (Maybe depends where you live?) In some ways it will be the more fun car. All while retaining more practicality than pretty much everything on your list aside from the Golf's. To me, a GTI is way too common. A golf R just isn't priced right. The ST is my clear winner.. (And I obviously put my money where my mouth is as I already have mine paid in full, awaiting delivery).
I am sure the pros/cons for these cars will be different for everyone.. A very personal decision to make.. Best of luck with it

And definitely share the outcome!