Baratza I bought over a decade ago for $600 is $250 for similar build quality now.

Maybe the exterior build quality? I highly doubt that the $600 grinder and the $250 grinder has similar internal construction. I'm not complaining if it's true, but I find it hard to believe they didn't save on cost somewhere. Maybe they're cheaper because of how ubiquitous it is now?

But yeah... those electronics and lights are an absolute waste.