No regrets on springing for the premium here... although I have also not had any of the problems that others have reported so perhaps I'm once of the lucky ones. Originally the premium did not look good to me but then I figured out it was just the red t-molding that was running it. I switch to green and all good.
TMNT has turned out to be the most fun I've ever had, out of any title I've previously owned. It really does sound like you will be good no matter what model you choose.