So what's the better deal (honestly)?

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! 

I love the Ambrosia Maple veneer on my Vandersteen TREO so much that my new phono preamp will have a bespoke 3/4” faceplate of the same stuff. Life is way 2 short to drink crappy wine, race Ford Tempos, listen to elevator Jazz, etc

live a bit.....

Thinking of 2” thick live edge plinths for them.... worst case, they will make hellishly good cheese trays....

@tomic601 ....Ooooo, 'live edge'....for that 'rustic look'. ;)
...for that 'log cabin' in the woods, where one can blast Bach as loud as one might....

Daniel Boone, DB....