Regarding cost, they're nowhere near $200, I'm not sure where you're getting that number. They're more in the range of $120. As such, they're slightly - but not terribly - more expensive than other quality options.
And regarding quality, their QC is quite good, and you can comfortably buy one online without worrying what sort of finish you're getting, if the handle grain is going to be wonky, etc. They're nice right out of the box (so to speak) without having to worry about fixing or upgrading it. Plus, they're shaped quite nicely and chop very well. So they do offer performance in addition to general F&F.
Also... how many of us buy $120 folders that don't offer any additional functionality into our collection? I have multiple ~3" folders where 1 will do. Spending the same amount on an axe that provides me with something I didn't have before is much more reasonable, built for some reason people balk at the idea.
This question is similar to "why would you buy a Paramilitary 2 when you can just buy a Tenacious?" and has many of the same answers.