Honestly, I don't think there's cause for panic here. Yes there are "replicas" being made... and sold. And let me preface this with the point that I'm against copying anything, and infringing on the original makers name, efforts, etc. But, let's keep this in perspective... although I've seen a ton on fakes out there, some laughable, some scarily close to the real thing... I've never seen the sellers try and pass a fake off as a real one. They've always been around $100. I think there will always be folks that will buy these (and other fakes... Rolex's, handbags, etc etc) for a number of reasons.. don't have the money for the real thing or whatever. One response is almost universal for those who own the fakes.. that someday they will have a real one, and until then, they pretend. Status, whatever. I don't think it hurts the makers that much, as anyone who will purchase a real product, will still purchase a real one, regardless of fakes being available... So although it's wrong, I wouldn't spend too much time worrying about them... just deal with reputable folks, and be aware. Has anyone heard of someone buying a fake thinking it was real, and paying real money for it?
-Mick
