Why is the price of new tonearms so high

>>> ... the physics that still govern the biggest part of the design has been available for quite a while? <<<

Yes that "?" is well put.
Vibration / mechanical resonance mechanics is one of the more difficult subjects yet.
The Tacoma Bridge would be still standing too, if some years back all was truly understood.
Same applies to other architectural issues relating to earth quakes. Resonance behaviour has come to be better understood only more recently. Most ancient understanding ended with the 'pendulum'... (had no vinyl to play with :-)

Looking at Continuum in this light, they spend plenty of time with multiple regression analysis of vibration and resonance behaviour, so they say.
Before computer models, this stuff was ALL intuition plus experiment.
I don't mean you will not get 'decent' results that way --- but no 'banana' either :-).

Now you look at some old timers, REAL heavy weights (cover of 'Night Fly'...) you see where Continuum could have gotten some ideas to start with... and then added plenty of computer modelling, so they ended up with that banana :-)

All else took a piece of pipe and bend it so as to get the off-set angle, put a 'compass gimble' plus a counter weight.
Some noticed that the tube resonated (too much?) and then stuffed it with balsa wood... all intuitive vibration mechanics.

A.

All else took a piece of pipe and bend it so as to get the off-set angle, put a 'compass gimble' plus a counter weight.

I agree with you Axel.
Daniel, to say the physics governing the behaviour of tonearms hasn't changed is very simplistic and slightly disappointing to hear from you 'the rationalist'.
As Axel points out, the physics governing cable structures was understood by the Romans (a removable tent structure was erected over the Colosseum) but that hasn't stopped the knowledge being 'lost' for 2000 years and when finally being re-discovered, pushed to further and further limits?
The principles of the internal combustion engine haven't changed basically in 100 years yet the progress in engine design continues.
The principles of telescopic optics has been known since the time before Galileo and its physics have not changed but the use of computer analysis, design and construction has created unimaginable lenses in tiny digital cameras.
Sorry Daniel, not only don't I agree with you in this respect, but you continue to avoid the 'acid test' of your proposition.
For all the theory behind your support of the FR64 and FR66 tonearms, you have absolutely no answers to anyone who says it sounds mediocre and coloured and highly distorted?
And all your physics will simply not make it great if it in fact is NOT?

Perrew you make a good point...

A couple of examples one being the Technics SP10 MKIII specifically Albert Porters and the Gerrard 301, a 50 plus year old design including other vintage tables.

Dear Axel, dear Halcro, - we do not need to get on terms in this discussion. If your point of view do differ from mine - fine with me.
And sorry again - the examples are off topic.
We aren't talking nano-mechanics here nor micro-optics or complex cable structures and - BTW - concrete was invented by the Romans too. They were really gifted engineers in their prime period.
My basic point is, that the design of a great (in terms of sound) TT or tonearm is - well... - simple.
Do do neither need computer nor digital equipment to design or put together either one.
These two are really fairly easy mechanical devices - where is the problem? I can not see the need for high-tech equipment nor for big sientific computers here.
Its brain we need - something apparently becoming increasingly less available in our days.
Do I need to constantly defend the FR-60 tonearms simply because Raul doesn't like their sound in his 10+ years memory ?
While other audiophiles like Thuchan, Syntax, Heradot with equally sophisticated set-up and all modern Skool tonerarms at hand do prefer their FR-tonearms and for good reason?
Ever given taht a thought - why should they prefer the FR over their other tonearms? Just to anoy other audiophiles? Get serious.

The proof?
There is onyl one possible and non-virtual proof:
Visit me - bring along the SME V, DaVinci or any Continuum together with your favourite cartridge.
Bring further with you some time.
I will set-up your prefered tonearm / cartridge combination and fine tune real fast and most likely you will hear your toy on all time new highs in terms of its sonic performance.
I won't stop till you agree that this is the best you've heard so far.
Then we will switch to the FR-66/Fr-7fx combo and you will loose all faith in modern day audio forever.
I know it - I have watched it happen several times and all with top-flight competitors.
See you here (now I am off for a weekend holiday with my family) some day !
Cheers,
D.

Halcro, Regarding the Romans and their Colosseum ,as you would know with the invention of cement the ancient Romans were able to build structures well beyond the heights of anything else in the world at that time.
Everything about is a marvel of ingenuity.

One last thing, You live in a city where there seems to be constant repairs to your water and sewer system? This is a common problem the world over.

I think most of these engineers that design these systems should have a long look at how the Romans built theirs. Today in Rome ancient sections are still in use with few problems.....A city could not be built nor would survive with out one.