Because PSA sold themselves a bottom price, ok lifetime quality manufacturer that typically cost a fraction of their rivials. All there non AR stuff isn't priced that way anymore, I mean their basic B gf3 is no longer sub $600, it's now priced close to a wasr and more than IO Inc/Pioneer/etc.Been keeping a close eye on these and the intial impressions are good. Better than their 100 series of rifles in 5.56 that's for sure. Hopefully it'll translate when they start the 5.45 and 300 Blk variants. Interesting people whining about price when it's one of the lowest cost options as an intro into this barrel length AK.