If you are preparing your return together with your spouse, then you will be using the same version of TurboTax and both returns will be charged the same price.

Yes, you just described the issue perfectly.

Having to do both returns at the same "level of service" is not good at all:

1. I have to go thru sections that don't apply to her

2. I have to pay more than filing separately.

I think is more work/use of resources for both me and TT, and no value.

Competitor looking good so far.

If you want to use a different version than what your spouse is using, you can just prepare your returns separately.