However, with the PPQsc, I must sadly presume that they're cutting costs to stay competitive on the U.S. commercial market.
I don't think this is the case at all, and here's why:
The basic P99/PPQ design dates back to 1997. Over 20 years. If they haven't amortized the cost of design/development/tooling/etc. on this design, they never will. The P99 was once a pricy pistol, but today P99s and PPQs sell for similar (or lower) prices than most competitors.
No - this is clearly a case of corporate greed on Umarex's part and nothing else. They are simply looking for higher profit margins on each pistol sold, to the point that they put the effort in to redesign the pistol (and severely compromise the design as a result) in a way that can only be meant to lower production costs. They are banking on a great name for sales, but in reality, are dragging that name through the mud.