It is very true that there are many inexpensive but high quality rods available right now. But generally speaking, most name brand rods are still expensive. A part of the reason has to do with the warranty. However, as some companies have ended the warranty for their rods, they still kept the rods in same price. Who are responsible for this? I think the customers. As long as there are people who are willing to pay 1000 dollars for a rod, there will be companies selling rods for that price. I still remember how Redinngton crosswater rod used to be like. I could use that rod to outcast most name brand rods. But it only costed 59 dollars.