I think we are getting to the crux of it. You feel that the boards aren't worth what the companies are asking. You'd probably like one, though otherwise you would not be making a whole post of it. Instead then of just accepting that this is the price, then choosing to buy or not, you choose to moan about it. I do not disagree that it is a lot of money..it is definitely a lot of money, but companies can charge whatever they want for their products...but the prices for boards aren't 700 like you indicate. Best charges 950. I think SS is about 900 etc....
Lightwind boards are bigger. Easy as that. Bigger to build. Bigger to ship. Lightwind boards like the Venturi comes with super expensive fin boxes, and fins. Construction is similar, but there is more construction to do. I know of glassers that refuse to glass SUP because they are big. It is more work.
I am not a defender of overpricing, but what I am telling you that boards are not over priced. It is the cost + a percentage that they can make. Sure you they will charge what the market can bear, but what you absolutely fail to understand is that alternative is not that the prices goes down, it is that the boards are not produced at all. The result is that we see less innovation and a lot few suppliers...because there is no way they can make money otherwise. What I do defend and something you fail to prove is the unreasonable claim that there is some form of price gouging going on. The prices for kiteboards are pretty much the same as for surfboards...as shown. You'd might see some massaging and strategic pricing, but overall price is a representation of the cost of the board.
No I am not the least irritated by your heading. You are entitled to believe whatever you want to. I am not sure why you use Slingshot as an example. Their prices are pretty much the same as other companies. $900 for a Tyrant. Btw I believe SS makes decent boards. Price is usually mostly all in the construction.
Not quite sure what you mean by companies being able to buy a CNC machine. Sure they can buy, but it is kind of like saying why don't that architect buy hammer to build the house. Their numbers will never sustain having to set up an organization for producing boards like that. It is ludicrous to suggest that a kiteboard company should star milling their own blanks. The process would probably make the board even more expensive.
On my estimations on board numbers. Check your SS boards..they have serials. If you put you mind to it, I am sure you can start interpreting those numbers a bit. They usually tell quite a bit about production. It is though nonsensical for you to suggest what a company should do with volunteer work to save some cost. I am quite sure that board testing is not the main expense. There are definitely many ways a company could save money. I have thoughts about it too.
I see you chose to not comment on the surfboard example I actually did provide. I guess you choose to believe whatever you choose to believe. How would you compare the cost of a raceboard to SUP boards?
Shipping a raceboard will be a lot more expensive than a surfboard. There is all these leaks in cost have an amplifying effect when it ends up in the store.
Now for what is or is not inflammatory, I doubt my comment about you selling boards is any more inflammatory than all the poo you hurl yourself.