Stern was on the verge of going out of business at the FGY price point, and when TAF was selling they were selling way more units per machine in a completely different market. Not really an apples to apples comparison just looking at price in isolation.

That being said, I think I paid $6400 for my X-men LE in 2012, $2k less than Stern LEs now. For me personally the pinflation of the last few years is really what gets me. Most times I get excited about a new pin purchase, then think about the price, then decide my current collection is pretty nice.

I am buying "fun" (which is of course completely subjective). The shots, artwork, code, toys, sound effects, music and the theme all together to make a fun experience, where I can play for 10 or 15 minutes (who am I kidding sometimes I am happy with 5) and have a good time. I am not buying for innovation, the "geez, this has never been done before". That isn't what is important to me when playing pinball. YMMV.