Ok, I have to step in here as well. I have a 225 E-Tec, which is programmed to run the XD100 oil, as its cleaner and leaner. I get the oil for 34.77/gallon from suncoastoil.com. Also, I was having the overheating while trolling problem, it was traced to me having a quick disconnect fitting on the engine flush mount (also where the motor "pees"). Once I put the Evinrude fitting on there, it pees normally and has NEVER overheated since.
A good friend of mine has an 02 20' Grady with the 225 Yamaha 4S, and when we run together, our fuel consumption is roughly the same. Whoever said the e-tec burns 2.5 gph more than the Yammi is sadly mistaken.
As for the resale value, its not great, that I cannot rebut. The only thing I will say is, for those of us with older boats that can't handle the weight of a 225 4S, and don't want the nimble power of a 150 4S, the E-tecs are the perfect answer. They are clean, run like tanks, require very little maintenance (none for the first 3 yrs/300 hours), weigh about the same as the old 2S, and have amazing power and torque.
I repowered with the E-Tec because of all the reasons above, and after 2 seasons with it on, could not be happier with it.
Just my $.02
Bren