I'd say that 993 pricing is driven far more by virtue of it being last of the air cooled engines and with far lower production numbers, than looks. Looks vs. the 996, yes, but the 997 is equally attractive in my eyes, and in those of many other enthusiasts. A 993S's wide body looks better but is an inferior handling car to the narrow body 993, yet has higher pricing due to it's even lower production numbers.
Ive extensively driven 993's, 996's and have owned a 997.1 and now a 997.2. I preferred the 993 over the 996, but the 997 over the 993. The 993 is a nice toy, but has plenty of problems of its own and the floor mounted clutch pedal makes driving in heavy traffic more than annoying. A 997 is just as fun but can be a daily driver, year round. And Ive had zero problems with both 997's, contrary to the article's warnings.
If you can handle having only 2 seats, the Cayman provides even sharper handling and most of the experience for less money, only sacrificing the 997's torque.