The $30 rental rate is not 'outrageous'. It's a commercial decision, perhaps an experiment, taking into account the current special circumstances: How much is a family willing to pay to see this in a cinema? It's more than $30 in total, so as they cannot do or decide not to go, let's then watch this movie for actually less than that but more than for a movie that is passed in release date. The 'market' will decide.

As for the cast, well they are Chinese and may not have the same opinion as the 'correct' opinion broadcast on Western media. I think this is not outrageous. This just shows that people in different countries see things differently. In this case I think that taking note and understanding Chinese people views on Chinese issues is more productive than being outraged.