But then honestly, what other dive-related capabilities are there to add on top of what MK1 offered? Fitness/outdoor-wise you can probably find something, but I cannot think of anything justifying the price.
If you were after dive-related capabilities only, you probably wouldn't be looking at garmin in the first place.
OTOH the actual price tag on the more expensive Suuntos w/ transmitter here in US is not that much less than $1,800.