You and I have a similar background with Benchmade. I also was looking intently at the 940 and 470, when I came upon a 470 Emissary (the older silver model) on that same website for....no joke....$70 shipped. You bet I spent money I shouldn't have to snag that!
Soon after receiving this knife, I knew I wanted more. I then purchased an Osborne 940 to carry at work, carried it for almost 2 years. When my job put me back in the office, I opted for a smaller blade. I could have gone back to the 470 Emissary, but that is not how I roll...so I got a McHenry & Williams 707 Sequel.
I really like my Benchmades.