It is just me or isn't this just a redesign that got distributed to shops a lot earlier in the year?
In fact I remember this discussion with SimpleSimon (employee of Ellis Brigham) back in April...

Nope, not just you

Still working for EB Simon?

How has the new design been selling?

Seems a bit strange that they've "downgraded" the design to a beginners mountain boot...

No, I quit EB a while back after seeing the error of my ways ;o)
I dont know if they're now selling the new design or not, however, when I left they'd been stocked up on the remaining old ones from Raichle, having sent all the new ones back after delivery.
It is weird that Raichle did that, and I cant really see why.

Especially after having had positive reviews in many magazines extolling the virtues of the old model...

Anyways, hope you're keeping yourself amused some place other than EB.