Perhaps "S3" is now producing Mk2 units because SonicBlue EOLed the Mk2a units and they're hoping to make a quick buck? Even if I didn't already have a Mk2a (for #399 + S&H) on it's way, I think I would go for an Ebay before buying new (older) unit from mysterious stock that noone (but one) on here seems to know where they came from.

Even if I'm told 1 + 1 = 5, I'm not going to believe it unless it makes sense. A stock of old model units that were supposedly all sold individually now suddenly appearing after the current model is EOLed for about what you can get it for on Ebay... Consumer confidence is low..