[kymarto]

Thank you for all the replies so far, very helpful.

Does anyone know whether there's a difference in build quality between the EX and GX? If not, and if silver doesn't affect the sound differently from silver-plated, then is there any reason to consider the GX over the EX?

Having owned and owning a number of good flutes, both plated and solid silver, I would say that the biggest difference between these two would be the feel. Silver is heavier and a bit "bouncier" in terms of how the keys feel when you close them. That alone can affect how someone responds to the flute, even if the sound is exactly the same. I would suggest that you try both, if you have a chance, and see if the difference in feel is enough to want to make you shell out the extra $$$.