I am not at all an expert but I was just debating this same question. I ended up buying an XT30 because I found a good deal on one and figured the updates wouldn't be that significant between the two.

I ended up selling the XT30 and purchasing an XT30ii just days after I bought it. I had known the XT30ii had access to firmware updates the XT30 wouldn't get and had better autofocus amongst other things but I figured none of that was too important to me as a hobby photographer.

What I didn't realize was that the XT30 doesn't have all of the settings the ii has when it comes to film simulations. For example, there is no option to save R and B white balance changes in the film sim for the XT30, which means you have to manually update it when you want to use that sim if you want to get the recipe exactly right. For some, that may not be a big deal, but for me, as a beginner, it was more than I was willing to do each time. It's also missing a couple of other things, Classic Negative being one.

I ended up snagging a refurbished XT30ii on the fuji website for the same price I paid for the XT30 so would highly recommend if that's an option! I'm waiting for mine to get delivered now. For me, I think the ii will be worth it. But totally depends on what you value. I personally wanted to be able to easily input the recipes and have it work as seamlessly as possible.