It a good point regarding the cost aspect & those who try to capitalize on it, here's an example....

$599.99 on Ebay right now - I actually need one of these - am I gong to pay it - hell no!



I really think the answer is, in a way we're all artists and our canvas's our the vehicles - cars, motorcycles, trucks, models as the OP does professionally, etc... but most folks dont look at vehicles let alone mechanic's, body guys & painters, engine builders, etc... in the traditionally sense of being artistic. I know that when I go fiddle in my shop its not only skill I'm tapping into but a creative process that usually ends in something better than before I started.

I think this is what most of us do but all at different levels of interest. Stupid prices exist because someone is willing to pay it - some dude probably really wants that emblem & maybe he just won the lotto, who knows.....