I know this might sound silly, but why don't they use a better jig and multiple roles of tape to wind several simultaneously. I can't imagine that being a very fast process, and depending on the strength of the mandrel (seems tough enough) - one could probably do 4 or more at the same time either with a drill or hand crank. Just not having to chuck up on a 1:1 basis would help.

And a similar process could probably be used on the wire and the rope (at least to get the right number of rotations around a specifically sized core to get the right length). Then you wouldn't have to deal with as much measuring and since the number of wraps gets you the right length. The labor would be in tying them off.

Anyway, it's still an amazing price for everything you get... just tossing some ideas that may (or may not!) further improve the profit margin. I have mine sitting right here and I know I couldn't come close to replicating the cost (I tried). If you factor in that in order for an individual to build this that a lot more of the product needs to be purchased (whole roles of wire, rope, & tape, etc) then it's even more a bargain.