Well....I didn't pay that much for mine for the Volts V, I think it was maybe at 21,000 yen or so long ago. You be shock to know I only paid $100US for the original popy version loose. That toy weighs a ton.
As for deep pockets, not really, I do try my best to consider each purchase and not going "must buy". The problem is toys nowadays do not last in stock if you missed the pre-order and is a roll of the dice. Sometimes they are available and other times not. I find getting toys are harder than before.
The SOC series has been okay if you are collecting, they don't get just sold out immediately at most places and do take a longer time.
There may be a cheaper one down the road, is all to do with patience or how bad you want it.
I know. Everything's cheaper awhile back when toy collecting isn't as trendy as it is now.
Everybody wishes they have kept their old toys instead of giving them away or breaking them during play.
I buy from Yahoo Japan a lot and sending it registered or even unregistered is relativity save.
here are some auctions that are currently up:
http://auctions.search.yahoo.co.jp/s...merce&slider=0
Some proxies even have a calculator so you know how much you will spend.
hope this is of some help.