The body is more important than you two make it seem, usability, ergonomics, expandability, processing speed, ... True, the body does not generally have that big an impact on the image quality, but it hugely affects the image taking process.
I can say that my Sony is top-notch on ergonomics and usability, the battery is good for anywhere between 800 and 1300 (1292 to be precise, that's my record at least and it still had 5% and was still fully functional) frames and recharges quickly. All important controls can be operated from ready-to-shoot position, ISO number, shutter speed and aperture can be adjusted while "aiming" (= looking through the viewfinder), each with a dedicated button. White balance is not quite so simple, it can be done without looking at the screen but only if you're familiar with the quick menu, which it is part of. All 9 AF points on my a200 can be selected individually with the thumbpad, also while aiming.
Anyway, point is, while the body may not be very important for the photograph, it is important for the photographer