Paul it sounds like you married a far to rational woman to buy into the "it's shiny I must have it" thought process. I have a hunch that part of my brain is exactly like a Ravens that also likes shiny things.

I do think the flat ground and thinner LE's are a improvement over the originals.
Probably not by enough to make it worthwhile to by both but I definitly like the new Mutt much better the the original. I am also rather impressed that Dan listened to our criticisms as well as the compliments. I thought the scrappers needed a thinner blade and a higher flatter edge. I actually sold both my DFCG and original Mutts because I did not like them as much as the Hooker and especially the SS4.