Also depends of your personnality. I own a S4Rs and its not like you're going to backflip if you hammer the throttle. Yes, it delivers. The real question is : are you mature enough to respect the power. Also, do you plan to drive with a passenger ? Cuz 696 might be a little short. Are you a urban or country rider ? The S4rs is little bit less agile at low speed and a 696 will fit better.
I've been riding for roughly 5 years with a good deal of experience as a mountain biker. I've started with a Z1000 and switched to the S4rs this year. Never dropped anything or come close to a serious drama. But I respect my bike and I'm always driving with some sense of fear ... if I'm in a hurry, I leave the bike in the garage.
I was planning to by a Streetfighter at first but the bike is WAY too high for me. Air-cooled monsters are cool but something is lacking (HP wise). But to me, the biggest argument was the cosmetic. I've dropped the handles, installed air scoops, open clutch/pressure plate, full termi, rear sets, front fender, etc etc. I just went nuts =) I now own a killer bike that I love and that I dont plan to sell for MANY years.
Bottomline : Maturity and your long term vision. And sorry for my lousy english =)