While it may not matter depending on a persons use of the tool, that plunge base is a bit of a game changer. I hadn't realized its full impact until I actually started using it. The obvious is that it helps steady the blade during the cut. But the less obvious (at least to me) is that it allows the tool / blade to be fully aligned to a mark before the blade touches the material. Takes the guess work out of trying to line up the blade with it oscillating , vibrating, and flipping around. Makes a real difference on something that will be visible.
Seth
Seth