You guys need to try figures for a while. Proces for good white metal or resin figures in 54mm to 90mm range from at least $50, and often get closer to $100. If you get into sci-fi or anime subjects, those prices can go up, as the kits get bigger, but the number of castings becomes much more limited. Add to that, that the sculptor or manufacturer can be well-known and command a higher price for the work that went into producing the master. It doesn't excuse the piracy that exists, but it does help understand it.
For me, I tend to buy second-hand kits and castings, and I look for bargains. The most I've paid for a scale model kit was $110 for a Classic Airframes P-43, from a seller in Greece. It was and still is a relatively hard-to-find kit, and I had been on the hunt for one for over 5 years, before I saw that one auction and decided it was worth it to my hobby budget. Of course, shortly after that, the former owner of CA started selling kits out of old CA stock, and I picked up another P-43 at less than half what I paid for the first one.
For a new model kit, I think the most I've paid was $50.
The most I've paid for a figure is $100, which reflects a combination of the relative rarity of the figure and eBay adrenaline. I wasn't going to let anyone beat me, to get it for my collection. For a new figure, the most is $57, for a kit of a Bosniak officer in the army of Frederick the Great, 1757. It's a relatively rare subject, and a very good sculpt and casting, so it was worth it to me to pay that retail price.
I prefer, though, to get as good a bargain as I can get. A pair of Monogram B-29s and a pair of Monogram C-47s (with the paratroopers), each for $10, at the Region 2 show a couple of years ago, I felt to be a very good bargain indeed. I like to get a model kit for ten bucks or less, if I can, a foot figure for $5, and a mounted figure for $15.
The hunt for the bargain, the haggling, where possible and then scoring, are all part of the fun for me.
Best regards,
Brad