I dunno...I have the 07 sputnik with the Easton fork and I kind of like the more understated look of the 08 fork better...From the photos posted, the new fork doesn't seem to be any worse from a construction standpoint...Truth be told, both forks probably feel almost exactly the same when you're riding and both are no doubt well made, so who cares...
The Sputniks are great bikes no matter what fork is on them...No one can complain about them for the money, that's for sure...