Footers are getting insanely expensive, for those of us in the current "mid fi" zone of a $30000 to $50000 system. I just re read that, $50000, Mid Fi!! That's the world we seem to be living in though. If you are in that zone, then say, Stillpoint Ultras, become difficult to justify.
My remedy, go second hand, it seems an ideal area to consider second hand. How do most footers wear out?
I agree that Herbie's are great, sensible products at a sensible price. If you are going for Stillpoints, then the original version are an excellent choice. I compared them with my one set of three Ultras and yes, the latter were better, but not massively so.