its not the scraper but the ash collection system. many prefer the gold. i don't have problems with my silver but then i don't get much wind to worry about. so if ya deal with breezes or wind then get the gold.
Yes, It is worth the extra $. Plus the gold comes w/ the hinged grate. Comes in handy if your doing long indirect cooks, like a brisky or a butt. I bought the silver, loved it...use it all the time. A month later I bought a blue OTG. In Oklahoma it is windy, and those ashes will fly around. I am actually going to buy the ash system kit and convert my silver to a gold.