Ghost Questions

[Rubik]

If you notice, the fourth level and the fifth level have the same CR increase, which is in turn the same as the normal ghost template (which gives you the same benefits).

Actually, the ghost template in the Monster Manual gives you quite a bit more than the savage progression (note the ghost special abilities, how many you get with each, and the restrictions -- or lack thereof -- on both), whereas the progression is a lot more flexible and does allow for PCs to control how many levels they want, rather than taking the full 5.