Universal is unlikely to follow suit -- just as Disney won't follow Universal with FOTL (though that may change given some of the Disney FP patents that would provide guests at the richer resorts more open FPs).
This isn't a matter of which park chain is more desperate. They are both making a killing in 2005. Bank on it. The problem is that Universal only has three resorts -- and they are three great resorts. That's why Universal can afford to command $200-$300 a night for its 2000+ room while Disney, with many times over that amount in rooms to fill, will have to get more creative in the off-season.
But, Gigi, you mentioned that you would rather spend $100-$150 on Express Pass booklets for a family of four, but you do realize that FOTL is much better than those Express Pass Plus vouchers (that are only good for one FP on each ride). Tack on the convenience of just walking over to the park of choice and while you can eat more than that at Disney with free food it's something that may be "priceless" to others.
I would keep the vacation split the way you originally had it -- or at least have just one night at RPR so you can take advantage of two days of FOTL.
