What are the pros and cons of download vs. CD other than the price difference?

Thanks Steve. Since I keep all my downloads in the original zip file on an outboard drive, while FS has the contents of that zip file on the main drive, I think I would be pretty safe to go the download route. Plus, I can always back up the downloads to a cd, double security. And in my case, cost is extremely important, which, coupled with all my computer problems, is the reason I have no payware in the first place. But, I am considering changing that, due, in part, to a small windfall. But I will have to be very selective and purcases will be few and far between. Right now, I'm considering Aerosoft's DHC-2 Beaver X, Wilco Tilt Rotor, and their Freght Dogs, which includes cargo airports on the west coast, Beech 18, and several Beaver cargo versions. I won't be getting all, just one, two at the most, and maybe scenery. But scenery will take a lot more thought. And I have yet to really look into other brands. When you have to be selective due to budget, you tend to go slower and more carefully.

Thanks Paul. I've been doing a little looking since my last post and am rethinking the issue, for similiar reasons. But at least one site mentioned $6+ US and that could be a problem considering my very limited budget. Having said all that, I am pretty much decided on the Aerosoft DHC-2 Beaver X as my first aircraft. I love Beavers, don't have what I consider to be a good one, and this one has 40 liveries!
Any suggestions as to scenery?

Also, just out of cuiosity (where the heck did Elmer Fudd come from?) curiosity since my machine won't run it, which version of FSX would be best, if I had the machine to run it?

Sorry for taking so long to respond Steve. Sometimes I forget what I posted and where I posted it. Why am I here?  I sure miss the email notification, that no longer works. 
Anyway thanks. It really boils down to cost. I would like to get gold but there are a couple of other things I want, so I am still debating with myself. It's really quite an argument. 

Yeah, I know Steve. But you can't squeeze blood out of a turnip. 
Besides, there are a few freeware options.

Thanks Dave, that is very helpful, though the debate is still in full swing. But I guess that may be a good thing, as in the past, I have gotten in too big a hurry and made some mistakes. I may still make a mistake, but at least I will have the satisfaction of knowing I took the time to think it through. Right now, the 'wait and see how FS9 runs on it' has a slight edge over 'go ahead and order Gold'. 

And in case anyone is wondering, I'm still waiting. 
Seems there was a communication error between FedEx  tracking terminology and my brain.  It was in fact loaded on a truck for delivery, but what I did not know, is that it will deliver tomorrow, as scheduled. Apparently, the Saturday crew go ahead and load the trucks for Monday. Hope it is a 'secure' compound. Don't really like the idea of my Alien sitting in a truck all weekend. I guess those day early deliveries I got from them in the past were just luck. Any way, it gives me a little more time to prepare. But this is the first experience I have had with FedEx that is less than satisfactory, and other than it sitting on the truck all weekend, mostly a matter of choice of wording on the tracking system. I still prefer them to UPS.

Maybe, but from which side?