So the satin trend continues then
Keeps the cost down.
I don't have anything against satin finishes done well, but most Gibsons I've seen aren't done well.
Another cost cutting move from Gibson on certain models: mounting the jack and pots to a circuit board, pickups and switch connected to it with molex connectors. Because it's just too damned much work to do point-to-point soldering on a passive guitar. How much does that save? A dollar or two labor per guitar? Unless -- and this is only a guess -- theose boards are being assembled in China.