You see it's not the number of additional features or differences, but the weight-age of one of them or all of them combined. I did not even look into XLi/GLi because I was already sold on the better powertrain that CVTi and Grande offered. So I would never have shelled out several hundred thousand extra on CVTi if it didn't offer a better powertrain and only offered 20 small things like shiny chrome stickers on handles and different seat fabric.
Similarly, if the Grande just offered Auto climate control instead of the Sunroof, I would've bought it, 'cause it's important for me.
That was the point of the whole writeup. Pay for the features you value. So, if you think you have no value for the better powertrain that CVTi/Grande offer, then you should buy XLi/GLi and don't pay for things you don't want.
I hope I was able to put my point across.