I don't know why Springfield stays with the two-piece guide rod. It's been nothing but a source of complaint since its introduction. Take a worthless feature and make it more complicated.
There's nothing here that justifies the increased price. Some new features, none of which require extra cost to execute. Same parts, same spray/bake finish, no optics cut, no hand fitting.
Dan Wesson or Tisas, currently that's pretty much your best bet.