Steve-o - I don't think the Martin Company set out to make expensive guitars just the best they could...... in various ranges (Including Ukes) - this they succeeded in doing even when they had to make cheaper guitars in the 20s/30's they kept up a standard and a range - it is only because they made desirable guitars they stayed in business and (some) people attributed a status symbol to the name - like most businesses when you find your product is desirable and you can charge more the price goes up - the Top Liners at festivals tend to do a lot less appearances and get paid a lot more than the "lesser" Artist - this doesn't make them better than others just more desirable - for whatever reason.

If martin make cheap guitars - that are good value that's great and if they drop the price of their more traditional models that's better still I'd rather boast of having a good guitar as appose to an expensive guitar!

The Wood against "Plastic" argument holds no water (well the plastic one hold it better than the wood) - and falls into the same brigade as the Real Fur lovers and the activists - why wear real fur if imitation looks as good?

as said earlier Don't Judge a Book by its cover - and why can't Martin make what they want - Fylde Guitars used to make snooker cues - and good ones to boot!