Haha, yeah, it totally broke him. Michael Bay on the other hand...
But consider the following:
+ The price of MPs released following the GFC didn't see an increase. The significant "less for more" increase started with MP10.
+ Hasbro AU's prices for their versions of the new MP moulds are much cheaper than TakTOM's.
+ Prices of other Transformers series (except Super GT) have remained relatively stable. e.g. the cost of a Deluxe and Voyager Class Transformers still cost more or less the same today as it did before the GFC. The cost of a Deluxe Transformer or G1 reissue in Japan hasn't changed much.