It doesn't cost them that much at all.
Let's say it takes 300hr to fully break-in a cables. I highly doubt 300hr is something free. Unless you have someone and a bunch of equipment working for you for free.
A little bit of research and time
It has nothing to do with research. It's just dollar and sense. Where I came from, if I have to use some equipment and have to hire someone doing something for me, it costs money. No way around it.
Now, as for those you claim do not charge extra money for breaking-in, they already took that into account in term of the total cost of the cables. Also I would guess those are only very high end cable.
If you sell cheap cables only $80 a pair and if you offer break-in for free, I think you'll declare bankruptcy very soon.