Here is a buy it now for 1700:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=161784233
I remember them going for right around 2k when they first came out, so I guess the prices have come down somewhat. I don't think we will ever see a SCAR near that price.
What sets the LMT apart from the LWRC, POF, etc in my mind:
-True monolithic FF upper is one solid machined piece for ultimate rigidity throughout. This design is even stronger than the strongest possible design that you can have with a regular upper; that being the forend integrated into the barrel nut and threaded into the upper.
-QD barrel allows for quick caliber changes/i.e. a greater level of modularity than you have in an upper with a more traditional barrel nut. How often will this be used; well, depends on the user of course, but for my money, there is a 100% chance that when I want to shoot some 6.8, I will get the parts for whatever modular-uppered rifle has my fancy and the parts available at the moment, rather than dropping at least twice as much on a complete upper. Currently that is only the XCR, but the SCAR is also on my wish list, and the ACR might be depending on how the street price pans out... and the LMT in question is out there as a candidate also of course.
Where the MRP piston falls short to the full blown next gen carbines (SCAR, XCR, ACR) is mostly really that it still uses the buffer tube like a standard AR15, therefore disallowing the possibility of a folding stock. Also the XCR and SCAR selectors flip only 45 degrees from safe to fire, which is a nice ergonomic improvement over a 90 degree throw IMO, but not as major an issue. The SCAR also has an ambi mag catch, and the XCR has an ambi bolt catch, which are nice improvements as well.
I'll add that the MRP also shares the same design downside present in any AR-based piston gun; that being the offset force on the carrier leading to the carrier wanting to tilt. Maybe this can be overcome long term through careful carrier redesign, but I will always consider it at least a slight negative when compared to a new action that was built from the ground up for a piston.