"You can have it good, fast or cheap. Pick any two." Of course Ruger trimmed some features to cut costs & lower prices. That's exactly how I'd expect a manufacturer, any manufacturer of anything, to lower costs.
To my mind, Ruger has always tried to occupy that "a gun for everyman" slot. It has had a few fancy guns, but by and large, its guns have been practical, cost-effective, and as ugly as hammered sin. Maybe that's why I have a soft spot for 'em. I like my guns ugly and practical, I guess.
I've been in that spot where $200 was really stretching the budget, and more times than I care to count. In that spot, I'd rather pay $200 for a Ruger than pay the same (or even a little less) than for a Hi-Point. Or for a milsurp. Or something chambered in a com-bloc caliber about which I know little or nothing.
Even without the better finish, I could enjoy getting my hands on one of these. It'd be a good chance to put 1k through it and see how she runs.