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If CS2 or 3 works for you, stick with it. I processed images in CS2 for sometime and found I never ran into limitations. Though I did get frustrated that I could put an adjustment layer on a mask to get tricky with some of the routines (I haven't tested this in CS4 yet). If you are just after a tool for basic layering etc, the CS2/3 would be more than sufficient.
I've recently upgrade to CS4 Extended. Don't think I need the 3D features of the extended version. As Chris indicates, the main driver for many will be its native 64-bit support. This is really nice, let me tell you. Having eight or nine layers doing different things to an image is a breeze. The performance is incredible with the large memory support. CS4 also has non-modal adjustment windows, improved colour range (not that I can tell), new vibrance adjustment layer (which I haven't played with much yet), HDR algorithm reworked and a image rendering function if you've got a speedy video card. The panning, zooming and image flick functions make scrolling around the image while you work on it look very cool and fun to use. All adds to the experience. How much of the new features I'll use in astro work is yet to be determined. I probably only use 40% of what the program is capable of. I know people in the prepress business that know the tools and functions inside-out, but its their job! (This is where I get all my tips and tricks!)
Unless there is a specific function you're after in CS4 or you've just built yourself a killer system with mega ram and processing power, then I'd stick with CS2/3.
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