Aquinas? ummmm...no, Dick...I wasn't....Why?

Uncle Dave...I do agree with you that there were a lot of unlisted costs in my question, but yeah, the question still arises over what products jack up the final list price.

I think in many cases it is a matter of 'what the traffic will bear' and 'captive audience'...that is, snacks at the ball game..etc..

But Don's example of wheelchairs and crutches really fit the pattern I was asking about. I am now remembering ads for wheelchair-like gadgets (motorized travel chairs) that are being HEAVILY advertised because insurance will often pay for them, and anyone who can get a Dr. to sign off on one can get a free one, even if they are just obese. (yes, I know it can be a real problem).

I suspect that things like video games are overpriced, also, but since I don't know about R&D costs, I'm not sure.

And about that pasta, LtS....there is a common trick of making a product 15% better, then charging a LOT more for it. I know that my favorite soft drink, Pepsi, is NOT worth 30-40% more than the Safeway house brand, even though it is 'slightly' better...so I buy Pepsi only when it is on a GOOD sale, and I try to get enough to last me to the next sale. I just bought 4 12-packs for $2.00 each, which is about as cheap as it gets anymore....but the Safeway brand is on sale for that price every couple weeks, it seems.

Ebbie...I have found a bread I like at Trader Joe's for about $2.50...has no preservatives or corn syrup, so Rita can eat it also....I'd guess that prices are higher in Alaska on stuff where major ingredients are not grown locally.