So what's the better deal (honestly)?

Amen, Stereo!!!! 

Stereo5

you nailed it!

why do people bite?

manufacturers do it if there’s demand. Who do we blame?

paint job is a “luxury”while special pods is “audiophilliac”?

A set of 6 Steelpoint Ultra 6 will cost you ~$5500.
Most of my audio pals, who use Wilson, use 8 of these (!!), and that is after the surcharge on paint ;) 

Your right, The speaker manufacturers "should" build their speakers with a real "Base" as they used to. But that would cost them money....Hmm.
   I buy full, "live", "Slabs" of Maple, Walnut and etc. to make my speaker bases. And they do not need special "Feet", "Outriggers" or "Whatcha-Ma'call'it's", To sound decent!

Sure, that is why we all stand in line to buy your speakers!