Celestron is insistent on trying to rip-off beginners. It is actually sad to see such an experienced optics company come up with smart marketing scams for making higher profits.
Celestron should try to make decent beginner telescopes and sell them for a normal price. This will attract more people into astronomy, and it will benefit Celestron in the end.
Meade, on the other hand, prices beginner telescopes much lower and actually provides better accessories. They are not miles better in quality, but models like Infinity 70, 80, or Polaris 80 are much better choices than the AstroMaster 70AZ.