Has it always been this way, having to pay much more for discrete graphics?

I was just checking out the 15 inch retina in the store. I noticed the version that is 2000.00 usd doesnt have discreet graphics. there is no way to upgrade to discreet graphics without jumping up to the $2600.00 model. since when did we have to pay 2600 dollars just to get discreet graphics. I dont remember ever having to spend that much to gain that option.

 

even build to order the option to get a dedicated gpu is not possible on the 2000 dollar 15 inch retina. you have to jump to tier 2 and spend at least 2600 dollars basically 600 dollars more to get the dedicated graphics. which is the entire point of my post.

and sure I have the option not to buy but that doesnt change the fact they raised the cost of dedicated gpu by 600 dollars having to jump to the next tier. they used to have build to option dedicated gpu option on the 2000 dollar model. you didnt have to jump to the next model to have that option like they do now.