Thanks for the info Alan. I assumed they were both made by the same mfg. but I guess the cheaper one is a clone.

When I think back about how long it took me to get my gear the way I wanted it, I'm thinking that I might want to start with MOLLE so that I can change things around. Gear is a very individual thing and I'll bet any fixed vest is always going to have exactly the wrong size and number of pouches. I'll bet that the black pouch in the photo is your GPS

Just for kicks I went on an imaginary shopping spree at Cheaper Than Dirt:

Item # MOLLE-434 MOLLE Tactical Vest OD GREEN Mag Pockets, Mesh, Adjustable $19.97 $19.97
Item # MOLLE-450 MOLLE Ammo Pouch OD GREEN 7x6.5x3" Spill Proof Ammo Bag $11.97 $23.94
Item # MOLLE-453 MOLLE EMT Pouch OD GREEN 7x5x2.5" Zipper Closure $7.97 $15.94
Item # MOLLE-439 MOLLE Radio Pouch OD GREEN Hook & Loop Fasteners to Close, L or R Handed $9.97 $9.97
Item # MOLLE-302 MOLLE Deployment Bag OD Green 11.5x5.5x6" Compress Divided $12.97 $12.97
Item # MOLLE-341 MOLLE Gadget Bag OD Flap Closure, Zippered Pocket $9.97 $9.97
Item # MOLLE-452 MOLLE Buttpack 15x15x8 OD Green Three Pockets, Fully Lined $27.97 $27.97
Item # MOLLE-436 MOLLE Utility Pouch OD Green 8.5x4.5x3.5" Dual Zippers $11.97 $11.97
Item # MOLLE-456 MOLLE Hydration System OD GRN Carrier 14x6.5x3" Heavy Bladdr $19.97 $19.97

Product Cost $152.67

I doubt the quality would be anywhere near good enough, but it might be worth it to try it out, find the flaws, and then sell it all on ebay when I upgrade to something mission-ready.