I think your question ignores the reality of the fact that Apple and Foxconn have really screwed up on production and distribution and left the sales channels very short of stock. There has been disruption by the staff in some of the factories, while there are unconfirmed reports of production issues with the new machines. Production of the old machines was stopped some time ago to allow the stocks to shift before the new ones arrived
Except the new ones haven't shipped from China yet...................Apples stores are screaming for stock in the runup to Christmas - and they're expecting nowt to arrive
If you really want to buy a Mac before Xmas, it will be a case of whatever you can find, will be it. So prices will be high.......if you can hold on till later, then do so.