I don't disagree at all to the math. In the long run a person would probably save using an AquaRite or another full cell over the entire life of the product. But, there are plenty of people who buy furniture and pay $49 a month, instead of paying $1,000 all up front. Or people who only plan on staying in a home for 2 or 3 years that this product would be perfect for. I have had hundreds of customers walk in my store wanting salt chlorination, and then leave empty handed when I quote them $1300 installed. I discourage consumers to put a conventional salt chlorinator in themselves.
On another note, the salt and swim can be installed by anybody who can use a hacksaw to cut a piece of plumbing. Just about any handy consumer) There is no gluing, or drilling for flow switches, or wiring. Just cut the pipe, screw it in, and and plug it in. It was very well designed. Like I said, I watched a servicer in the audience take 6 minutes to install the unit right out of the box.
If it's purely math, I don't disagree with you, but it's a pretty cool product. Best of all it's not one or the other... both are still available.
As I stated previously I swear by the Hayward AquaRite unit (formerly Goldline) I put in over 300 units since 2007 and had a handful of issues. Enjoy the pool season everybody!