The only part of the argument I do agree with is the tech piece, only because the Altima received the new tech with the refresh. Lookswise, the Maxima has it in spades (even with the uglier one coming out soon). Looking at a comparison with the current Altima and Maxima, I'll list some improvements or things the Altima doesn't have that the Max does. Anything the Altima does better can be summed up in new nav ui and slightly larger rear seat.
Better power steering unit with more feedback and faster turning ratio. It also uses the Z steering wheel (which I like more than the Altima's)
Higher rated dampers, springs, front sway bar, front strut tower bar, and available rear seat brace.
Larger and wider wheels with optional Re50's. You can get the in dark metallic with the SV sport package (which I like)
Rear seats are buckets, not flat. The fronts are bolstered more on the sides, have a cooled driver seat and thigh support. The driver side also has seat memory.
Optional dual sun roof, a sunroof already comes standard.
rear trunk uses dampers to hold the lid, not some metal swing arm. Same with the hood.
Maxima comes with a 20 gallon tank, Altima only 18. Luxury cars generally come with big *** tanks. This is kinda moot as Altima mpg is better.
Maxima has 12.6" fr and 12.13" rear brakes, .9" and .63" larger than Altima's
The nav system is 7" compared to 5" on the Altima. It also supports DVD playback, Altima only does CD.
Aluminum door sills are standard.
Maxima comes with an available rear window power shade.
The trim offerings are of higher quality, especially the premiums Atlantic cherry wood trim.
Maxima also comes with available ground lighting.
That 20hp advantage helps the 100lbs weight difference.
There is value in the Maxima over the Altima. Yes, it's a cash cow for Nissan, and some of these options don't equal their actual value, but the fact that they aren't even offered in the Altima keeps the Maxima a few steps ahead of the Altima. Equal straight line speed and some leather doesn't mean one is a better value than the other because it's cheaper. Keep in mind, value is subjective as well.
I purchased my 14' SV sport Maxima for $34k. It stickered for $39k. Even if I was able to get a fully loaded Altima for $30,000, IMO, there is more than $4,000 in content that I am willing to pony up. I also bought this Nismo, so I would say that I'm inclined to pay a little more for the things I want. I'm not disagreeing with you RicerX, you have a point, I'm just sharing what the Maxima offers that you don't get in an Altima. The difference is in the details. See below below for reference.
Build Your Nissan Maxima | Select Model | Nissan USA
Versions - Build Your 2015 Altima | Nissan USA