i did just that, i bought the CLT atty which was $43.39 out the door at my local shop, i did this because i see it as a reasonable price, and i have not seen clones of it (at least not yet) i assume because it is so reasonably priced. i am considering the colonial mod from mad industries a nice authentic for less than $100, also considering a few others that are below $100.
but IMO $200 and up is just insane, again IMO.
does not mean i can't afford it, in my view it is just not worth the $$ tag to pay $240 for the authentic stingray when i get the exact same performance for $40.
its already happening, mod/atty makers are seeing how quickly they can move product if it is priced reasonably, and if you have an authentic, lets use the CLT as an example, for $40 then there will be almost nobody wanting to take the risk of getting a clone that's a lemon to save save $20 and have to spend another $20 to try again when they could have just got they authentic for that $40.
i will support these designers cause they are obviously supporting the consumer and our needs.