You have a point. In my position at my job I see just how much the cost to keep operating is rising. It seems like every week something has gone up whether it is healthcare, energy, insurance, fuel or whatever. We absorb what we can but at some point we have to pass the increased costs along to the customer. We have no choice. If we cannot remain profitable we will be forced to close the doors. You cannot support employees and their families long while taking losses. The hobby manufacturers are no different. Their costs are going up too. The cost of goods from China is going up as well as the workers there demand higher pay, better conditions, better quality of life, etc. I am not saying I like it all but that's just how it is unfortunately. You also have to consider that these ARF's are not really mass-market products. They are not being made in huge numbers to supply every Wal-Mart and Home Depot store like a lot of inexpensive consumer products. They have a limited market; there are only so many of us doing this stuff. That affects the price.

To be honest, these newer planes are little pricy and it definitely makes me think more before purchasing one. Still they are a bargain if you consider the time and money it would take to build one yourself. I think we have all been spoiled a little by dirt-cheap ARF's for the past several years.

Again, I am not saying I am happy about some of the higher pricing. I just think it is more of a business and economic reality rather than a conspiracy by "greedy" hobby companies.
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