Let the hive mind of Engadget get that for you.
"I've found myself using my PC for a lot of conversations lately, and I'm also considering recording a podcast to share with anyone who will listen. There are tons of USB headset / microphones out there, and I'm hoping someone has some solid recommendations based on experience. I'll consider both headsets and standalone mics, by the way, but I'd like to keep the bill under $100 if possible. Help!"
The truth is that "expensive" is a relative term. While the site may be geared towards a certain demographic, that is no excuse to perpetuate ignorance. Quite the contrary, this is an OPPORTUNITY for a site such as this to explain what these systems do, and what you get for a certain amount of money. Most consumers do not understand what they are shopping for when looking for whole home audio systems. If the only thing they have to compare is a home theater in a box, even a $2000 whole home system will look expensive. However, if it is explained HOW the system works, and what functionality you gain or lose at certain price points, then a customer can make an INFORMED decision as to how much to spend.
Sorry, but I feel that calling a system like this "obscenely expensive" is a disservice to the readers and a cop-out for not doing enough research, and I will stand by that opinion.
While expensive could be viewed as relative, for this site, it is relative to the gadgets presented on this site. Compared to the gadgets displayed on this site, especially when you factor in what it does, it is expensive. Hell, I am willing to spend $2,000 on 2 channel amps to power my home theater system and plan to bi-amp each speaker and I still consider it expensive, I also consider my amps as expensive.
Besides, I think you are getting worked up over nothing. This isn't Home Theater Mag, AVSForum or some other home stereo or home theator site who's niche is to give the reader a good review of the product and it merits. This is just a blog about new gadgets and technology where opinion rains supreme (especially Apple products), not a in depth review of them.