I think MBHQ needed to do more to make the 6.9 more distinguishable from it's brothers and a scoop or two would be a great way to do it! Back in the 70s MB obviously weren't that interested in making performance obvious, but today it's a different story with AMG an integral part of the company.
And I think someone with a two-tone 6.9 agrees it's important to be more distinguished than cattle class!