Sounds like you looked at the Rockhopper Expert model, which is close to double the price of the basic Rockhopper. Then again, it sounds like you've had exerience mountain biking (coming from full suspension?), so your "entry level" is probably a lot higher than the general public's.

A lot depends on the type of riding you are planning on. The big-ticket items (frame and fork) will make the most difference. You might also consider getting a bike with a decent frame but a very basic lowend fork (like the Dart series), spend some time riding to see what you like and don't like, then replace the fork with something suited specifically to your needs.

One place the manufacturers often save money is on the wheelset, using lower-quality house brand components, or less-than 32-spoke wheels for fashion reasons. I'd plan on buying yourself a wheelset suited to your specific needs in the near future -- in the US, decent robust sets run $175 on up mailorder.

The other components are pretty easy to upgrade when/if they break, and 8-speed stuff is IMHO sufficient gear-ratio-wise and somewhat more durable, less finicky, and less expensive than 9-gear stuff. If you've got at least intermediate bike-mechanic skills, you can easily mail-order components to get good prices and install them yourself to get a good rear derailleur and perhaps a different crankset/BB.

In my experience, you'll pay a premium for the Specialized brand name over something like Giant.