does this thread serve any purpose other than to allow us to vent? not sure. maybe it does... i have noticed that three products now (at least), at a particular retail store, have dropped their prices in the last few days, which were recently raised... who knows- i cannot see their "books".
BUT, i will buy from this store, and other local stores, because they have been helpful to a beginner.
or just wait until the prices come down a bit... most people have enough gear, anyway, so just wait...
also, to those complaining bitterly- do you also write "Letters to the Editor' in all of the major papers complaining about prices charged by clothing stores (say, clothes made in china cost $7 but are sold here for $20-$300+) or complain about food retailers, or write letters about the poor price paid to farmers and the restrictive practices large food chains place on growers, their other suppliers, etc... I could go on...
sheesh!