Here's a picture of a 2004 Lariat with leather bench seats. I know this comes up every now and then, and it was a factory option, you don't HAVE to have the flow through console : http://anchorage.craigslist.org/ctd/2125806334.html
I think the flow-through looks better, but it all depends on what you use your truck for. My dad's screw holds 5 and my scab holds 6, so anytime the whole family wants to go somewhere, we take my truck.