I miss that too. Putting the remote in the key makes it so, if you accidentally drop the key, the person finding it not only has the key to a Honda, they also have a quick way to figure out _which_ Honda! Turns a nearly-impossible "try every lock in the lot" search into a "look perfectly normal getting into the car and driving away."

Frankly, I doubt that immobilizers have saved all that many cars. What they have done is create a new profit center for manufacturers and dealers.

 

I have an EX. I would do LX if I did it again. Honestly, I'd actually buy a VW, but between the FITs, LX.

Sunroof is so far behind the driver's head it is useless. Adds weight and wind noise.
Alloy wheels on the EX are really nice, I think. Wheels are cheap though, so buy aftermarket or used EX wheels.
Lanewatch system is actually really nice. Not necessary.
Pushbutton start is a liability. A convenient one as long as it works. Meh.
Big reasons to get the LX:
Manual transmission: I thought I could live with the CVT, but it is just too annoying.
Radio/Head unit: Take your money you saved and put a Pioneer Avic in place of the stock head unit. Better by far.

Whatever you do, don't get the Honda Navigation ap. Just pathetic. It uses twice the data, has outdated maps (seriously, how does that happen when you are downloading maps in real time??), doesn't pronounce street names, so it just says "turn right" instead of "Take Exit 146b to XYZ Avenue". Not only that, but it tells you at the last minute. Takes longer to program. Has to have the radio on for you to hear the nav instructions, involves extra cable and adapter connections. If you don't start it up in just the right sequence, it won't connect, or it will connect, but you won't hear it. Oy.