There is no predicting what will happen with a lightning strike, so for me that is a non factor. For all I know a pedestal unit is more likely to attract lighting.
HW30C with the inside remote is much more valuable to me because the display is inside. The ability to see amps and voltage inside especially if the CG has low voltage so that it can be managed as unfortunately it happens.
I don't use and don't plan to use the bypass switch. I installed mine without cutting any original wiring. Therefore in case of a unit failure I have an easy ultimate bypass.