The new hardware version has passed my local testing (PM 7300, Beige G3, Mac Portable, initiator mode verification) and the BlueSCSI Distributor Group have started placing orders for it.
As mentioned before, some things are removed. The dedicated USB-C port is gone, as well as the second SD slot (now only full-size like before). And the PCB is back to 2 layers instead of 4, which is probably the largest driver of that cost increase.
Prices for the Desktop version will decrease back to the normal level as soon as the new boards arrive, which are expected the week of the 13th.