Here is are what some of the most popular 2009 kites cost, I used a 12m size as a reference:
Cabrinha Switchblade IDS 12m $1789
Slingshot Rev2 11m $1749 / 13m $1849
Naish Helix 12m $1749
North Rebel 12m $1749
Liquid Force Havoc 12m $1699
Best Nemesis HP 12m $1399 (no one pump)
Ocean Rodeo Rise 12m $1564
I'm not sure what the companies think the market can bear, but this is ridiculous. I dealt with a really good local dealer who gave me a bit of deal on some 2008 Cabrinha kites, but they were still expensive. The 2009 prices are simply not on. I'm not cheap, I make enough money and I have a secure enough job that I could buy a new quiver of kites if I want to, I just don't feel that I am getting the value for the money. This is especially true if you look at some of the problems that the new kites are having despite the high prices. These problems are well publicized on this and other forums.
I understand the reasons for the high prices are the cost of fuel and increases in production costs in Asia. Well, my job is certainly not to make anyone in Asia rich. Figure out a better way of doing business to get the costs down and the quality up.
In the end, the only say I have in this is where and when I will spend my money. At the 2009 prices I will be buying at the end of the season at a deep discount - and that will probably be at the end of the 2010 season.