I saw that collectors edition at Amazon too..only 1 left when I last checked it.
With that you don't get 1.5 Gold but you do get a hard copy of the Identification manual that has the ship's lengths (I've been told) plus a wall chart and I believe a nice map.
If one were to purchase that edition it would be best solely for purposes of owning a "Collector's Editon."
For actual game play the Gold Edition 1.5 would be best. But then again ,there is a mod ,created for multiplayer use, that is designed strictly for version 1.4...or so I have read.(Fall Of The Rising Sun IIRC) That may or may not affect you depending on whether you prefer single play or multiplay.
:hmm: ...decisions...decisions...deciding how to play SHIV has become a challenging adventure in itself...