Way too expensive. There is no way that kit costs half that to produce.
Have you build a twin turbo Kit for a car, that uses the highest of quality components, performs, and fits precisely?
3 years ago, a 70" LED TV cost $6000. Now, you can get one that is better for $1298. The price to develop an item has to be considered in the price tag - and a low volume item, this is even more so the case.
As for the cost of the materials, correct - you could probably buy everything for a lot cheaper than the kit. As for selling price, why do so many people think they should only have to pay what something cost to build? Time is worth money, and if you don't think RI (or any other of these companies) has a metric crap-ton of hours and money into these kits - you are sadly mistaken. :beer:
Thankfully, the S197 Customer base seems to be pretty good when it comes to supporting quality companies, by purchasing their quality components. There is a reason our cheapest LCA cost $140....instead of $99 or cheaper - I don't see those people supporting any/all of you on a daily basis.:rockon: