gentlemen:
it's all about economics, namely cost and value.
the value in use equals the value in exchange. i have indicated this well-known law several times. it applies to cable as well as any component.
if a buyer considers that the price of a component is less than or equal to the value for a product, it is purchased. an audiophile who receives pleasure from the purchase of expensive components is receiving value for the purchase. the value may be of a psychological nature.
value may inhere in the listening or the "pride" of ownership.
two audiophiles may differ as to the value of a component and one may be willing to pay the price , while the other considers the product over-priced.
thus, the price of a cable represent's an estimate of the value to a potential customer.
it is also based upon the possible deman for the product.
whenever considering questions of the price of components, think economics and perhaps psychology as well.