I’ve found that value does not always correlate to low price. Sometimes in life,we do get what we pay for. Sometimes not. Price is only one part of the equation.
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.