Dennis, there is also the M20 that I linked to. (and can also be found at rediculously low sale prices on occasion)
It's a styling option for Joe Consumer. Chances are he is going to be a good 5-10db deep in tone controls, loudness contouring, and dsp's etc etc. Is that an excuse for the design? I don't know. What I do know, is two products are offered at the pricepoint, with similar performance, but different designs to cater to different (cosmetic) tastes.
I'm sure research panels / public polling and what not comes into play, I've taken a few for certain speaker companies, and most don't even ASK about the SOUND!!! 'Which speaker looks better, which one would you buy'
You'll find the refinement 'up the lines'. Entry level products are full of compromises. Some more obvious than others.
Cheers,
Russ
PS- the Engineers have been busy, 11 new subwoofers, the new VM and RM series, new RTiA series, not to mention the custom install / inwall / floor / ceiling and 12 volt products.