Why are equipment racks so expensive?

Because someone will pay it, whether it matters or not. Like cables.

"Anybody who has compared isolation platforms and racks, and isn’t as deaf as a post, will tell you some perform better than others."

Yes pauly, whether some here like it or not, that is the truth.

If you think 3K is a lot you better not look at Critical Mass Systems. I used to think it was stupid, now I own a 3-shelf Maxxum and have some Black Platinum shelves on order for amps. They even have an Olympus rack above the Maxxum. The cost is due to very low volume in this segment of the market, combined with exceptional quality of materials, manufacture, and finish.

I do think 3k is expensive for a rack.

I didn't see the prices of their racks, but with their footers costing $425 each, I'm guessing astronimical.

They do look nice.

Actually the build quality of their new feet is kinda lame for the price IMO. Maybe they work, but the supposed burn-in process into hundreds of hours is not something I'll ever tolerate in my vinyl-only main system. BUT their racks are a work of art. 6.2K per level for Maxxum, something like 12K per level for Olympus. Yeah, I'm not rich and I make fun of myself for having it, too. But it solved all kinds of various sonic/feedback gremlins for my turntable, and I love looking at it while listening. Also there is zero chance of it ever tipping/etc and breaking my valuable turntable. If you crash into it, you're the one getting hurt.

really good sh*t costs $$

not say one can't find cheaper simpler more mundane alternatives that can save some...