While shopping for ours in the Houston area, I would say on the Limiteds, the ratio was better than 50:50 for having the buckets. We didn't shop the other trims so I can't speak for those, and I can't remember if the buckets were even available on the other trims at the time. I think regional differences could account for some of the disparity of observation.
As for 7 passenger seating, that center "seat" that you get with the bench is a joke for an adult. A small child could fit, but not an adult comfortably. I suppose it could be, and has been done, but I would not want to be that center seat person. We decided in an instant to get the second row buckets and have not regretted it for a second. We would not have been as happy with the bench. The sliding buckets with center console makes our Explorer the comfortable roadtrip master.
The comfort of the buckets vs. bench was covered in another thread, and it would seem that the inflexible inflatable seat belt buckle receivers made sitting in that center seat uncomfortable if you were too wide
I wouldn't settle if you don't have to. Keep looking, as it is a worth while option in the Explorer. Just be aware, as someone pointed out earlier, that the seats themselves do not have inboard armrests. If you get the buckets without the console, you will have no place to rest your inboard arm (except for your lap, lol). A few folks like the consoleless design as another way to get into the back row, so keep that in mind. Also keep in mind that the console cannot be added later without minor modification of the carpet and considerable expense (it is not sold as a single unit, but must be assembled from its constituent parts from the catalog to the tune of around $1000.00 last I heard).
Good luck on finding your new car!
