I can appreciate the aesthetics of the special edition covers, but they are too hard for me to acquire, and like [MENTION=6901211]William Mize[/MENTION], I enjoy having all my books match. So standard cover it is for me too.
Too close to call. I like the picture on the front cover of the standard, but I liked the spine and back of the special better. I also like the feel of the special better.
edit: I got a chance to see and handle both at Gamehole Con.