I think in just about all but professional/serious enthusiast situations, the F/1.8 II will do fine for someone.
Yes, it's got the look and feel of a toy. But there will be very little real-world image difference on a camera like the Rebel. It's lighter, the speed (max aperture) difference isn't that big of a deal in most situations and, though I hate to say it, it's virtually disposable at the price.
If someone isn't a professional/serious enthusiast, and they don't shoot tons of stuff in the dark, I think the only reason they should look at the F/1.4 is because it feels like a real lens! Of course, most of those people aren't manually focusing anyway....
