Gen 1 vs. Gen 2 base station

I have a Gen 1 Alarm System and I just got a Gen 2 Alarm base station as part of a starter kit (it was cheaper to purchase a Gen 2 starter kit than buy the individual sensors I needed a-la-carte). Comparing the Gen 1 and Gen 2 Base stations, they both look identical, and the Sku #'s are same. I've ready all the articles re: Gen 1 and Gen 2 device compatibility - but my question is specific to the base station. If the base station for Gen 1 and Gen 2 systems are the same - identical features, both have full compatibility with gen 1 and 2 sensors, both have same firmware - then do I actually need to deregister / re-register the new gen 2 base station or can I keep using my Gen 1? I called support and a guy told me the Gen 1 is actually a higher quality device (better wireless card, faster processor) and I should just leave that installed. He told me how to tell the difference by looking at the serial numbers. But this just doesn't make sense - if the Gen 1 base station is better, why did they make a Gen 2? I've already replaced my devices - everything seems to work well with my Gen 1 base station. Anyone have an opinion re: making the base station upgrade - since I already have it?