selling products and install direct they also sell packages of products which erodes margins further.

Im guessing the +$100 is double the power output, capacitive buttons and HDMI

As far as the IR, is that the horizontal window on the bottom front of the unit vs the back? Seems silly if designed for a rack/integrators being on the front.

What about a new connect version? Really no reason they can't build the same functionality, sans amp into a connect, including sub output and crossover. Should be able to use a connect for rear speakers in a surround as well via separate amp.
To me a connect version with all of these features should have come out before the AMP. Way more connects used in custom installs vs the connect:amp. Especially on larger installs. Makes me wonder if the connect is going away.