I don't think 2bigears meant to specifically challenge Lamm to justify their pricing. The way I read it, he picked Lamm as an example of what he finds puzzling in the valuation of high end products in general.
He wants to know why prices are in the stratosphere. He wants to know why we are willing to pay these prices. He isn't telling anyone how to spend their money. He didn't call anyone an idiot. He isn't jealous of people who can pay these prices (are you?) and he doesn't want to see anyone starve in a Mercedes taxicab.
The problem with these threads lies with the people who can't or don't read and interpret only what is written. And taking snippets out of context for the purpose of inversion, diversion or derision is especially corruptive. Courtesy is an attitude not a set of phrases or slogans.
I think that captures the essence of the issue. It's impossible to figure out why people are willing to pay such large sums for these products.
It is somewhat relative. Most of my non-audio nut friends at work who have been to my abode love the equipment, but think the money I spent is way too much (as compared to a Best Buy home theater in a box type of thing). They all readily hear and enjoy the difference, but, to most of them, they have better things to spend money on (and that is certainly fair enough).
My audio nut buddies also love the setup, but again, many of them simply do not have the scratch to pony up. By audiophile standards, while I have a fair amount invested, it is not anywhere near the monies of the ultra high end stuff.
The real problem becomes one of diminishing return. How much more does one pay to get that extra bit of resolution? That is truly impossible to measure, and is up to each person to sort out for themselves.
One could argue that when one starts spending ultra dollars, it would be wise to hire a consultant, and set up the audio room to optimize the audio reproduction. I would be willing to wager that one could achieve better sound with less expensive equipment if this was practiced.
