Last year I bought a Kokatat Tropos dry top (super close out sale) and got it cheap to replace my 15 year old Kokatat Gortex one. Not even in the ballpark. The fabric is stiff, doesn't breath as well and the neck gasket was very tight (extra large suit). They are made in China and often what manufacturers are calling breathable is a supposed breathable vinyl membrane liner inside the apparel. It's not a one piece breathable fabric like Gortex.

I have a relatively new Kakatat Gortex suit with booties and relief zipper and it's great. Kokatat honored my old 12 year suit when it went in for a repair and gave me about 70% off trade-in on a new one. They are a fantastic company with customer service and warrantee without question. If they pressure test a suit and find defective material, they give you a new suit. Try finding a company that does that.
It's an expensive purchase but they last a long time.

I never cut my gaskets - just stretch them over a jug.