I don't think that has to be true. If you are selling a inexpensive HTIAB with limited inputs, crappy speakers, and sub bar performance, then I would agree.

Lets say you are a dealer for Episode speakers. They are in most cases budget friendly and decent speakers. Also a Yamaha dealer. I don't see a problem with offering different level packages

Example:

System A:
- Yamaha RX-A810
- 5 300 Series Episode speakers - I think the entire series is close enough in price that you could offer one price for 5 of the same series, be it IC, IW, or their In Room speakers.
- Episode Sub Cub
- URC MX-780/MRF-350
- Samsung UN46D6000

System B:

- Yamaha RX-A1010
- 5 500 Series Episode Speakers
- Episode ES-SUB-10-200-MB
- URC MX880/MRF-350
- Samsung UN46D7000


You could keep offering level ups with better equipment that offers better performance or added features. You could also base a system off a package and offer substitutes, like offering one of the above packages, but with a URC MX-5000 and maybe a PSX-2. Of course you could "level up" to other brands, like Sonance or Triad or whatever you carry. The point being that you could offer the package to get them into a price point, and offer the tweaks and substitutes to customize it to that customer. I agree with Adam that it could be a very useful tool in the overall selling process.