Fortunately, there are plenty of bargains in high end audio. Buy what you can afford comfortably. There is always going to be gear built for ‘cost no object’ standards and bragging rights!
Do audiophiles creat the high prices we complain about.
I do think we do it to ourselves by greatly considering pricing when we buy. A manufacturer has to have certain price points or their gear wouldn't be considered worthy. I have had audiophiles tell me they want 10-25k speakers, not good ones the price comes 1st for many. Anything under those prices isn't good enough in their minds.