Hi there!
Read a little of the debate, but i would like to say that here in Portugal the first TKI kit sell's at 724.149 USD and the SE kit at 566.123 USD, that of course with the current conversion EUR --> USD rates, so here i dont see a very high price, the MBX6 costs about 657.995 USD and the 808 2010 Spec about the same as the Mugen.
As far as quality wise, Kyosho has a very high quality standarts, the 808 is not as good , the Mugen on the other hand is very durable, i have one racing for almost a year now, and it has yet to break anything. My favourite brand is Kyosho, always have been since the MP6 International.
I agree the price on the U.S. is insanely high, but although the parts retail at a good price, i am suprised why they didn't go with the hard anodised parts, it seems that the standart parts are not holding up very well.