I think you made the right decision. I like the 99+ body style if they're done up right, but the 94-98 are sexy yet mean look looking at the same time.
It also seems to be very hard to find a clean 96-98 GT or Cobra, at least around where I live. I'd almost say it's easier to find a nice, non-beaten on foxbody
it all comes down to what makes you happy, not everyone else. your car is def clean, extremely clean. i can totally relate to what you are saying about having to drive something that nice daily and worry about weather, dirt, idiots, etc. my GT stays in the garage and my 205k explorer takes the day-to-day abuse.
aside from the hood not being painted and the interior needing a vacuum, the 99 looks like a very very clean car. i would LOVE to have it as a DD. IMO, i think it got way to much flak on here. nothing wrong with a clean yellow GT.
Glad to hear that you kept your car man because it looks brand spanking new I know I have said that before but I had to say it again...Also there is nothing wrong with a yellow Stang imo.
Also not everyone cares about performance these days and when they see a clean car like yours they will prob appreciate it a lot more than a motorhead would...
Personally I would have traded as I prefer the look of the 99-04 over any other mustang save for maybee the 93 LX....but either way your 97 is a great looking car.