Here's my 2 cents,
Some people want one of everything and don't necessarily care about quality. I know people with houses full of junk that is both valueless and meaningless. I don't have many things, but all of the things I own are quality and I wouldn't trade them for quantity. I agree some of the tube mod prices are a little high but that depends on the mod. If a clone is an exact replica then it would be sensible to purchase the clone, however not all are.
I'm intending to purchase a precise 14500 when I have $100 to spare. I think $100 is a fair price the precise. Until then I bought a $20 bagua clone to see if I like the performance(which I presume will be similar) and the size of the 14500 tube mods. I think this is the perfect relationship between clones and originals. I wouldn't pay Carvela prices though I can fully understand why someone would, they are more than just machined parts.
I am curious, if op has access to a cnc machine and the experience to produce quality tube mods, why doesn't he? The overhead on mech mods has got to be high and would be a good way to expand the business. I think the reason he doesn't is there has to be a lot of baggage and expectations when you charge the prices some are for mech. mods and it's easier to crank out ar15 parts that don't have to be pretty, they just have to work.