Back then AMD had no product that could even compete. Now it's a different story, and Nvidia will never release a single card for that much.
AMD would simply release a card that performs slightly worse for hundreds cheaper.
Makes no sense to me either. Unless they forced 8X AA in CC and NVCP (or some third party software) which would screw up results.
The only thing I believe with 90% certainty is that 3dmark11 screen.