Good discussion, guys.
To the OP’s point, I think the answer is "yes" that high end manufacturers CAN overprice their goods. In the cost/performance metric of mere mortals (like us) the math just doesn’t work. And we feel a bit frustrated when folks inject their own value component into the mix that is clearly above our paygrades -- and didn’t ask OUR opinion about whether the sonic (or otherwise) value is there. How dare they!!
"Messaging" is an important element and could negatively impact current and future hobbyists. The question becomes WHERE are those messages being placed and HOW are they effected by them? Or is it just "noise."
I sold decent Hi-fi gear for decades. We had a speaker line whose market positioning statement included “owning 50% market share of speakers over $10k a pair.” When presenting this to customers, the vast majority were shocked that there were speakers over $10k a pair on the market. After allowing them a few seconds to "recover", I’d inject: "You’d be surprised by the number of speakers out there over $100k a pair." The point here is there are still virgin ears out there who can be introduced (properly) to high performance audio -- with an emphasis on sound-for-the-buck.
As @hilde45 suggested: "We must keep morality contained, or it might take hold."
I think there may be a valid (and, useful) point here that, perhaps, we have a higher purpose than being “audiophiles” in the grand scheme of things. I’m sure, more than once, someone (knowing our obsession with high performance audio) has asked our opinions. We’ve straightened people out more than once. Sometimes avoiding disaster (or divorce?). A helping hand (and, brain) can go a long way in separating “noise” from useful information, fact from fiction. As one professional contributor stated (I’m paraphrasing): “A high resolution audio system can be bought for under $5k.”. I agree with that statement provided the person can keep their ego in check.
I’ve spent quite a bit of time identifying elements that connect us and developed some materials to help illustrate the relative group size vs our level of intimacy. We, in this forum, fall into the “Shared Indulgences” group where we share things we are passionate about (music and the stuff that makes it happen). Above that group is a smaller (and, more intimate group) I refer to as “Purposeful Bonds” where there is some level of higher purpose in what we are doing. As you can see, there is the aspect of migration UP where some may seek a higher, more purposeful (and, yes, more ethical) involvement. Above that level is “Heartstrings” where deep friendships can develop as a result, and we become like family. The group below “us” (speaking purely of involvement in audio, not intellectually or other component) is the “Navigating Complexity” group. So, they are there just like us moving about trying to get things done when, all of sudden, we discover we share an interest. So, up the ladder we go. Or, not?
Here’s the link, if you want to check it out. You’ll need to scroll near the bottom to get to the pyramid.
https://youniteusa.com/connections
It’s also been said that "people spend money on what their attention is on." So, keeping this group and it’s influences on high performance audio helps insure the health of the industry -- and, the hobby.
