You won the debate...you picked the right caliber (.22) and the right stock (delux) as well as a stand-up guy to deal with (Mike).
CO2 performs better in .22...get more energy per shot.
The delux stock is a little fuller dimentioned and better shaped. It's the same wood type, so there is going to be wide variations in grain, but none of the delux stocks I've looked at have had the "uglies" that some of the standrd stocks have. I don't think they make any promises, but it does seem the delux wood's quaility is a bit better (maybe becasue they have to use slighloy larger blanks to make the stock, so the really ugly little "sticks" can't be used?).
If your intention is to refnish, realize it's a roll of the dice...can't really tell what is under that factory finish until you strip it...might be beutiful, might be plain, and it might be butt ugly.