Um, I'm losing track of all the questions. So I'm just going to answer the ones I can remember!
Someone recently pointed out in the Installation & Technical forum that the downloadable .pdf manual for the Start from the Recaro website states that it has an 8 year expiration. My manual (and apparently, everyone else's on this board) does NOT state this, however. I emailed Recaro about it yesterday; still haven't heard back.
As for why it's so expensive, it's because it's a luxury seat. I mean, it's MADE beautifully - it reminds me of the SafeGuard as far as how sturdy it is and how everything just screams "quality." It's height adjustable, of course, but the shoulder-wings are also adjustable, as is the seat depth. It has a recline feature (which I found confusing, because it specifically says not to actually drive with the seat reclined - apparently that feature is there so your child can nap in the car while you shop??) It has a top tether. It has a shoulder-belt lock-off. It also has built-in speakers in the headwings. Yes, seriously - it even comes with the cable so your child can plug in their MP3 player as soon as you open the box. (Poor Fighter, no MP3 player! Though now that I think about it, I suppose he could plug in his Nintendo DS...) And up until at least April '08, it had no expiration date.
I'll be honest, I'd never have bought it if it weren't the only booster I'm comfortable using in that seating position. I like Graco boosters just fine!
Judi, I meant to check the height and get some pics for you today, but I just ran out of time. We did compare it to the Parkway in the house, and it looked like they were very similar in height, including the belt guides, but it's hard to say if there's a difference once it's in the car - the two boosters have very different "conformation." When Thomas sat in it initially, I thought he fit, but it's technically outgrown for him (though barely) and I haven't had him sit in it in the car, where he could still fit. I'll get around to that tomorrow, but I won't have a Parkway to compare to. (Thomas is 13.5 yo and around 5'3" tall.)