Let's acknowledge that this grill is Weber's answer to the BGE, without a doubt. They've tried to design a grill that is as good (or better?) than the BGE, relying on their heritage and know-how in metal stamping rather than going the ceramic route.
For sake of argument, let's assume the SCG grills and smokes as well as the 24" BGE X-Large and is close in terms of fuel efficiency. I don't know for sure that it does either of these, but for sake of argument, let's assume that it does.
The 24" SCG costs $1,500. Add a cover for $60. Add the mysterious charcoal rake for a guess of $25. You're sitting at $1,585.
Based on BGE prices at
www.abt.com:
The 24" BGE X-Large costs $1,200. Add a nest (wheeled stand) for $180. Add a premium cover (looks like higher quality than Weber's) for $100. Add a plate setter (for indirect cooking) for $115. Add an ash tool for $20. Add a grill gripper (because the cooking grate doesn't have handles) for $14. You're sitting at $1,629. Maybe there's more stuff needed, I'm not sure.
SCG includes gas assist and One-Touch ash system, BGE does not. SCG is said to be able to transition more quickly from high temp cooking to low temp cooking than BGE, if that means anything to you. SCG is lighter and easier to move/transport than BGE.
So what's wrong with the price of the SCG vs. a comparable BGE? Yes, both are expensive, but both seem to offer comparable value and performance at their price points.
I think the angst comes from the fact that we're used to Weber grills being like Chevrolets and BGEs being like Cadillacs, both get you around town but at different price points. And now Weber has come out with a new luxury model and we can't reconcile the pricing in our heads because Webers are not supposed to cost as much as a BGE. But they can and do now.
Just my ramblings...I'm curious to continue reading what others think and watching the poll results.