the main difference between the 7xx and the 9xx was the tubing; reynolds and columbus, respectively. I'd bet that Trek just wanted to keep English fans and Italianophiles both happy; I've ridden both back to back and I can't tell the difference. This is an excellent ride and I'm sure that you'll be happy with it.
Congratulations on Mr Sugiyama, as there are fewer and fewer people in the retail industry that can make candlesticks work...