This doesn't really seem comparable -- the big draw to the Express seems to be the WiFi built-in; at $149 for the Express vs $172 for the Gateway Lite + (at least) ~$100 for an AP, these are entirely different categories.
I don't think they're saying they're comparable, its just that a lot of people were waiting for the cheaper standalone firewall, which is what the gateway lite is. also its $129 not $172.
You've got it. I'm on my third boot drive replacement on my USG, have been worried that eventually something was going to break that I couldn't fix. Being able to enable traffic inspection and IDS will be great.
Ah, I didn't realise (and perhaps you didn't either?) but you linked to the Canadian store, where it is CAD $172.