I see where you are coming from and I've dithered over buying an older model 35 for some time, holding out for a pristine S model for example. But this one came up and whilst I don't think it shares all the attributes of the older model it came at the right price at the right time. If anything its a shame the exchange rate wasn't better as it would have been.an even bigger bargain.
Yes Diana are not backwards in.coming forward on.marketing ploys but are not alone in this respect- there's quite a few at it these days.
Its a nice rifle though. A modern take on an old classic.
Dave