The main reason Fruils are going up in price is where they are produced. They are produced in Europe where their costs are all measured in Euros. So, declining dollar value relative to the Euro means higher USD prices. Be prepared to see similar things happening in the future for similar items from Eduard, Aber, Armorscale, etc. The same thing may happen as well to a lesser degree for items coming from Asia depending on how the USD does against their currencies as well. Currency markets are subject to the same capitalist influences as all the others. 
As far as the whole "skill vs. AM" debate, it's possible to spend the $$$ and load up a kit with all the AM imaginable and have it finished looking awful...throwing money at a kit doesn't magically transform it into a masterpiece or award winning show stopper, it's the "skill" of the builder at every stage that produces the end result. Using AM items vs. scratchbuilding usually comes down to a question of time/resources more than skill...although both options in the end require it to some degree to produce a solid result. All comes down to where you want to devote your time and skill and there's plenty of room in the hobby for multiple paths that lead to the same destination. Some prefer to scratchbuild, some prefer kit tracks over AM, some prefer PE to resin, and some prefer OOB. Each one requires their own set of "skill" application to be used effectively and depending on what you want to achieve...for some areas to achieve a desired level of detail, AM's the only route to do so, in their judgement, quickly and effectively, and the different manufacturers are happy to oblige.