Hi Rob,
This is the answer from Meade:

Dear friends,

I am the copywriter at Meade Instruments directly responsible for the line
"Dark skies not required" which you found offensive. I am an amateur
astronomer like you and care deeply about dark skies. Before I explain
further, let me assure you, we agree with you and the headline will be
changed.

I wrote the line not to say that dark skies aren't important, but rather to shorten the actual words of the person featured in the ad. He wrote us to say he feared he could not do astrophotography just minutes from the bright lights of New York, but happily discovered he could get good results from his backyard with his Meade LX90. His story gives hope to city dwellers everywhere. However Meade agrees with you that, to the ignorant politician or business leader, this ad could be misunderstood and misused. That would be tragic. We anticipated the ad would only be read by an audience that already understands the value of dark skies.

As you may already know, Meade is a lifetime corporate member of the
International Dark Sky Association. Also, the International Dark Sky
Association is a Partner Organization with the Meade 4M Astronomy Outreach Community. Over the years we have helped the IDA increase membership by donating thousands of dollars worth of telescopes for door prizes and raffles. At Meade-sponsored star parties and events we often hand out information about the IDA.

Once when Discovery Channel was putting up a new building in Silver Springs, Maryland, the architect announced plans to aim a high-intensity light off the top of the building to symbolize discovery (a light so bright it could be seen from space). A person active in IDA contacted Meade 4M Director, Scott Roberts, and he immediately contacted the Marketing director at the Discovery Channel Store, which led to Discovery canceling their plans for the light.

Thank you for your feedback. We share your interest in protecting dark skies and are happy to discontinue the questionable headline.

May all your skies be dark and clear,

Chris Drysdale
Advertising Creative Director
Meade Instruments

The ETX90 is indeed a great help if you want to quickly go out for a few minutes (many friends keep their heavy telescope in the cellar because they can't use it at first notice).
But I am considering buying a refractor (better suited for solar system worlds and for Belgium's sky than the ETX, but I'm not in a hurry).