The Classic/SE debate has gone on since the Classic was new. At the time, you could get a new Classic for less than a similarly equipped SE. Aside from the custom brackets, the only advantages you got were a second ADB port and a slot. Some users in the day felt the SE was a better made computer. It's also worth noting an SE didn't come with a keyboard in the box while a Classic did. The SE and Classic were made alongside each other for a few months but I don't think the SE prices came down much in early 1991.

The price you pay for an SE versus a Classic these days depends on the configuration and included peripherals. The prices should be about the same due to similar specs. Just my thoughts.