I just received a set of Takatsuki 300B tubes I bought in case there was an increase in price. $1K is plenty per tube. I read the instructions prior to swapping them in to make sure they worked. The instructions specifically say and show they should be handled with white gloves.
On the other hand, they are tubes made in Japan. I lived there for a long time. As a people, they are incredibly fastidious and formal. I mean, the cab drivers wear white gloves. I am sure the idea of seeing a fingerprint on the tube would be considered horrible. So, it may more a cultural comment than strictly necessary for the life of the tube. But I wear white gloves when I handle them.