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Natalie,
One of the reasons I like Nikon is because as they develop new technological innovations they incorporate them into their newest cameras, regardless of whether the camera is higher or lower in the pecking order.
I have a D700 so I don't really have the wherewithal to test each of Nikon's new models. I use DPReview.com to see what each new model brings to the table. They are very objective and seem to agree with my assessments on the models I'm familiar with.
One of the main differences between model levels is sensor size. The D700, the D3S and the D3X are all FX sized sensors which is approximately the size of a 35mm film frame. The other SLRs are DX, which means they are considerably smaller. Larger sensors means larger photo-sites which in turn gives better low light capability and more color bit depth.
Within the DX realm, the more money you spend, the more bells and whistles you get. Whether you need them or not is another story. You get more megapixels, higher capacity focusing systems, jazzier processing logarithms, more frames per second, etc, for your dough.
The bottom line is that the 3100 takes better quality pictures than the D2X which sold for $5000 5 years ago. The D2X was built better, had a faster frame rate but todays technology is far superior. I can't say for sure but it's probably just as good as the D300, at least quality wise (not feature wise). BTW, the D300 is due to be replaced quickly and, rest assured, that camera will be better than the D3100. Save up for that one. Or you may want to consider the D7000 now.
Lenses like the ones you got are less prone to get outdated. Better to get a lesser camera and better lenses.
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