I would say that Apple has made a commoditized product, aspirational. Made electronics a luxury goods

I think a large part of the issue with Meridian is that their "customer rep" are most often franchise/dealers. Apple reps in the stores are employees of Apple. Living in NYC, I can tell you there isn't a dealer in NYC I can stand. Everything is a big deal. Setting this up, do that, etc... Further, most will say what they need to say, to get the sale...
There is a reason that luxury hotels are never franchised, because you cannot control the customer service element in a business where customer service is what differentiates you from standard hotels.

Primary: MD600, MS200 (SpeakerLink to AES), Trinnov ST-2, Ayre V6-xe, Salk SS8 3x LRC.
Secondary: MC600 (whole house).
Zone one: 568.2, G57, MS200, Spatial Hologram M2SE.
Zone 2-6 (Awaiting assignment).