I'm afraid it's a case of the "Emperors New Clothes" all over again.
The Classic was introduced as an affordable, simply, self contained, right out of the box turntable. Aluminum platter, integrated motor, and more obvious cost cutting measures that we weren't supposed to notice or at least not comment on.
Of course the popularity, supply and demand, forced the price way up in a matter of no time at all and the Scout and Scoutmaster became the best keep secrect evebody knew about.
I picked up my Scoutmaster here for $1200 and couldn't be more thrilled.
The Emperor is naked, believe me.