Price... yeah, we all want them to be free, no doubt about it but the kamis have to eat and so does Yangdu and all the rest of the folks along the production line. The sarki has a family to support just like some of you all do and there is also the fact that this has already been shipped to the USA from Nepal, which is not free either. A lot of the other places selling these things sell for less but then you have to pay for the shipping from Nepal and suddenly you don't have such a great deal any longer. Also, you get what you pay for fast because it is here and not there, I never wait more than 4 days for my stuff to come in from Reno. My guess is it takes a bit longer to come from Nepal to Indiana but this is a guess since I haven't done business there ever.
I agree though, a wood version would be nice too. I am a fan of horn so I like this one but I know wood has a real following here so maybe if another was made in wood it might sell faster, who knows. If there is a wooden one made, I am hoping the price remains the same though as I feel it is a fair one.