As far as I can tell,the only differences between the standard MK9 and the Elite version are the addition of the "Elite" markings and a higher polish on the Elite. I polished my MK9 to a higher sheen than the Elite. If the difference is only $100 and that's not a big deal for you, then get the Elite. Or you can get the standard and polish it yourself.

They are functionally identical. I think at one time the Elite had a better trigger but that's not the case now.