I guess if you take photos for a living, then it's really not a big deal. That $2000 will pay for itself in security.

an extra memory card slot is worth 2000$? for real?

The reason I wanted the D3 over the 700 is the double memory card slot for redundant writing in case of memory card failure. I think it's worth the extra $.

I'd don't think its been discontinued. There's to much price spread between it and the D3x (which isn't really the same camera anyway). And its only been out a little over a year. I could see them adding 1080p video, but I don't think its very likely (D700 seems like a better candidate for that).

You should stop worry so much; it is bad for your heart.
If you can't wait for a D3 at your local merchant go and get D700.
D3 is not discontinued, and probably won’t be for a year or so.

Went to local retailer last Friday to purchase D3 on clearance for $4300. Not only was it not on clearance any longer, the sales person told me it had been discontinued and they didn't have any bodies in stock in any of their stores. He then told me because of it's discontinued status, they could no longer make orders for it. I've scoured the internet since and have not heard word one about the D3's discontinuation. I can still get at another local retailer for $5000 or on B&H for $4350, but I'm not thrilled about the prospect of not supporting local merchants. I'm also not thrilled about having to wait for a D3 replacement which will most likely have a larger pixel count as it's major selling point and difference from the D3 - which I don't need (only aspiring pro). Maybe HD video as well which I likewise don't care about. Any thoughts?