I'm not really surprised how expensive things can get - limited production runs and custom gear will always demand a premium.
I am often amazed at how cheap very decent stuff is getting! With the likes of some of the vendors listed below as well as direct-from-Asia purchases and micro-manufacturing (which allows very small shops to produce and distribute very high quality goods) I can now afford more gear and more custom gear than ever before!
http://www.dealextreme.comhttp://www.rei.com/outlet