Price increase aside, I actually like it and I don't get the hate.
Sure, it's not technically from the films, but it's a logical extension based on what we saw of the Imperialized V-wings, Venators, etc. It makes loads more sense than the goofy Skittles Jedi Starfighters. And it's an easy repaint to release. (Although I still wouldn't have bought it at $35, but that's just because I'm not buying anything recently.)
And like Ryan said, I don't think this is supposed to be from the Clone Wars, it's just being released in that packaging for convenience.