Canvass/Flax/Burlap Micarta or Carbon Fiber scale options.
Skeletonize the liners even more.
M4, CPM-154/RWL-34, SPY27, Nitro-V steel options.
Fix blade/handle ratio. Chop off current portion with lanyard hole and put smaller hole near back standoff torx screw.
Slightly thicker PB washers. Slightly larger Spydie-hole
Perfect knife at around $150-$175 range.