I think the commemorative is a sincere tribute to Pamela Coleman Smith (which has been due for a long time) rather than a trend, joke, legal maneuver, or mercenary tactic.
Is it the end-all, be-all? No, of course not. But that was not the objective. I think the objective was to recognize PCS on the centennial and create a product that just about everyone could afford and enjoy.
Among the currently in-print affordable editions, many people are enjoying the Centennial tremendously. I think if you were to ask the same people, of all the versions ever printed, which they find most satisfying, you'd get different answers.
At the price point that USG was targeting, I think they did a great job. After all, the entire set with two books, the deck, the slip case, the extras, and delivery to your doorstep is only about $25.