SCG should be viewed as a longer term value, not "extra features I can maybe add myself" since more of it consists of more SS parts, and because it'll use less fuel, and because once dialed in should require less effort/better food. At least that's the hope.
I just don't see it and to be honest, regular Webers last a VERY VERY long time as is so I'm not sure SS parts really make a difference.
Less fuel/effort and even better food are all questionable IMO.....effort is kind of up to the user, I don't mind the extra effort
I used the SS parts as an example, but it's one reason the current 26 costs $300,
double what a 22 Premium costs at retail. It's not only production costs that go up but warranty costs, all of which dovetail into retail. And then factor in the reduced popularity for a grill most people don't need and economies scale plummet even more. Now consider Summit after that.
Should the lesser model cost say, $1,000? I don't know, but I'd wager the same sorts of "It's not worth it" comments would still prevail, the only difference being Weber and retailers wouldn't make as much money.
Again, when you say you don't mind extra cooking effort and (probably) paying for extra charcoal, a few bucks at a time vs. one large grill payment, that's your value judgement being stated, it has little to do with what someone else may feel. And that's cool, but to imply someone
else might enjoy paying for extra fuel and potentially working harder over the course of long ownership is a bit of a stretch IMO.