D80 vs D300

A lot depends on what type of photography you are doing. If you truly are using your camera to make your living, the D200, D300 or D700 have the build and the options (like metering with manual focus lenses) that you are going to need. If you are just shooting for your own enjoyment the D80 is plenty of camera.
The value of the D300 over the D80 isn't as much frames per second and more megapixels as it is the ability to produce low noise images and higher ISOs. The D700 allegedly produces even cleaner images (I've never used one). Another advantage is the durability and build of the D300 and D700.

Well, the difference in MP is 10MP to 12MP. That doesn't amount to anything, really, when you look at the PPI of your printouts.

The D300 has a newer generation sensor with improved high ISO performance, DR and generally a bit better image quality but the main advantage is in its being a more professional model: more controls, more robust build, weather sealing, better AF system, more FPS, manual focus lens metering.

So there are really two issues: image quality and pro features. If you want a pro model, you want a D200 (very similar sensor to the D80 and now not expensive) or a D300. If you don't care about the pro features, the D80 is fine or you can get a D90 for D300 image quality with a D80 type body - but really, the image quality difference is there but it isn't huge, and if you're happy with the D80 just stick with it.

Certainly the biggest difference is in handling, AF speed, and 100 percent viewfinder. Resolution is slightly better (we're talking processing not so much the extra 2 megapixels). I went from a D80 to a D300 and never looked back. Apart from getting used to the larger camera, it was a real joy to use. I currently have a D200 having upgraded to a D700 from the D300, and regretting it. The D300 is a real winner and soon to be replaced with the D400. I'd wait if I were you to see what is announced.

Who told you this, and what was their reasoning?

Oh no, is it D400 rumor time? I'm pretty sure there's no confirmed information out there so I wouldn't recommend making a decision based on it unless you feel like waiting an unspecified number of months.

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If you are considering a pro career, a backup camera, or two backup cameras are a must. I have both the D80 and the D300 and much prefer the D80 as a walk-around camera just for it's weight. That being said, the D300 is a superior camera in ever other way, everything is just a lot faster and the two extra MP are a big deal as they allow much more cropping. One more thing, perception is important for a pro and the D300 just looks more "professional".

"I didn't feel there was that great of a difference in the two."

hmm, let's see. d300 has mag alloy body. nikon's best AF. better ergonomics. metal grip. one full stop of ISO. live view. almost 3x faster fps w/grip. better LCD. dedicated focus mode switches. dedicated wb. AF fine tune. auto-Ca correct. if none of that means anything to you, expand your kit, by all means.

granted IQ can be similar at base iso. and if all your doing is landscapes and the occasional portrait, d80 is fine. but the d300 pics have a smoother look, thanks to the CMOS sensor. there's just less noise with the d300 overall.

it does make sense to at least have some pro lenses to go with a pro-spec body. but the d300 is a significant upgrade from the d80.

at the end of the day, though, it's your money.

you don't see the point yourself and thus you're question is already answered.

IQ comes mainly from your lenses and not your body, basic stuff. Sure there is another sensor that contributes to that but the basic difference isn't all too great. Low noise capability is there for sure.

Pro looks are wholly unimportant for two very good reasons. first of all you get paid for results and not looks. Secondly you'll regularly going to meet amateurs who are only to keen to tell you they've got a D700, D3 or even a D3X.