Yeah it's worth the hundred bucks because either you'll have them for a long time (say 10 years and that's $10/year) or you'll flip them quick in which case you'll want the veneer because it will be more desirable for potential buyers. Unless you need something for your cats to scratch against.
You might able to get them to toss in the veneer for free to close the deal.
A number of years ago when I discovered they were still in business (my memory of them was from Tech HiFi days), I went to their Web site and filled in a questionaire to determine which model(s) would be a good fit for my room.
They responded with a model or two and then a couple of weeks later, they were running a special just for lil ol' me. So if you are not already getting them 'on special' you should call and get the special price and if you are getting them on special you should call and get the veneer upgrade for free (or less than $100)
Worst case is they don't budge, you wait a few days, call them up and place your order. It's not like they are going to raise the price on you for trying to get a discount (even though they may say something like I hear the boss is talking about increasing prices next month) and if they did I'd stay far away from them.
Another angle is some companies offer a refer a friend fee. If they have one and are not paying it to a friend of your ask for it in a discount.
Just my two cents.
