How easy? Have you tried WiFi.macAddress() or in Listening Mode sending m to the device?
Both should hand you back the MAC address.
There are some options again
- via code
WiFi.setCredentials() - via the VS Code Terminal and Listening and sending
w - via VS Code Terminal and CLI
particel serial wifi
Not sure how to not keep the mesh assignment 
As for pricing:
Particle is just starting the journey into mesh products and hence had/has to assume some things about expected utilisation and revenue.
As it was with Gen1&2 devices, the pricing had to undergo several iterations once the assumtions where replaced with real life experience.
I'd not be surprised to see the same thing happen once Gen3 gets traction with product creators and prosumers.
My personal take on it is that Particle very much values the contributions of hobbyists but they are not the clientele that keeps the business running but needs high revenue product creators on whose shoulders the hobbyist support can rest and strive.
Currently only Gen2 products are actively supporting the Gen1, 2 & 3 hobbyist engagement of Particle but once Gen3 takes off and revenue from there startes coming in Particle can maybe re-think the pricing based on hard figures.