It's just a case of getting what you pay for. You find no value in their added services, so you think it's a rip-off.
Crutchfield is the perfect place for a car stereo newbie or a DIY'er to shop for their first time install. They might pay an extra $50 or more, but it'd be more than worth the headaches and common first time installer pitfalls. Those added services do justify the higher price.
You'd probably still come out ahead of taking the car to a pro (not BB/CC hacks, but a reputable car stereo shop). And, you'd have the satisfaction of doing the job yourself along with some very worthwhile knowledge.
