I currently have a Note 2 and a Note 8, and am tempted to upgrade to the Note 3, but am leaning towards the G2.
What I have found is that using the stylus on the Note 8 feels comfortable, but using it on the Note 2 feels cramped. There just isn't enough size to rest my hand comfortably to really take advantage of the S Pen on the Note 2, compared to the Note 8. I still use the S Pen for other purposes, but more because it's there than because I need it. (Full disclosure, I'm a lefty who hooks while writing). The only real advantage of the Note 2/3 is that I could start a S Note on my phone and continue it on my tablet later. But, I'm an Evernote user as well, and they are expanding hand notation functions, so that might not be a big deal moving forward.
Actually, I'm also tempted to just wait for the Galaxy S5. I'm tired of being on the second tier for cases and such (Lifeproof, I'm looking at you), and I feel more confident that the S5 will have the kind of accessory support that I'd like to enjoy.