Bluestone,
Last August, Rutland Plywood, one of the largest suppliers of laminate stock blanks in the world, burned to the ground. This caused many manufacturers to hoard their existing inventories of laminate blanks until either Rutland resumed operations or they could find a new source for laminate blanks. As of now, Rutland laid off 170+ workers and reports a not looking to hot on whether they will reopen or not. With demand far outstripping supply, it's most likely the primary reason the Pulsar Laminate cost's more than the Walnut option.
Scott