A couple of things here,
One, the 44s has knock control, rather basic, but it does have it. Which makes the fact that the G4 doesn't have it rather annoying
Two, the factory immobiliser still works, if you have a Link and you buy a new key, you need to refit a factory
ECU, code the key with Select Monitor, and then you can refit your Link. But you can just plug the Link in without needing to recode keys.
Three, I agree with Balistic on the way the cars drive with a Link, I had a 44s in my car,
so torquey and responsive compared to
MAF tune.
Having said that, I've upgraded to a G4 and it is so much better then the 44s I had before, especially regarding the little things like cold start, overrun fuel cut and the actual software itself.
The 44s is old now, but speed/density is definitely the way to go, air flow meters suck. You should be able to pick one up pretty cheap, then save and get a G4 or a Vipec (same,same).
Just remember, its all in the tune.