It makes sense that if prices are so high, it's because people are still paying; otherwise, if market rules still apply, people would stop buying and prices would correct. That's the theory at least, so there must be something we are missing.
I was thinking the other day that prices keep on inflating despite our huuuuuuuge gains in productivity in the last 100 years, so if we account for that it only means that money printing has been insane (so insane that it surprasses our gains in productivity (more products = less price)). The only reason it hasn't corrected yet is because there's still enough money in the hands of buyers to keep the gears spinning. Insane! Either people are not saving anymore and just decide to spend on overpriced stuff, or we are getting severely in debt to buy -- well, yeah, in Brazil you can pay by credit card in up to 12 installments
Anyways. I got my Epiphone Casino inspired by John Lennon in 2012 (I think) and it quintupled in price ever since, no joke. I would not be able to afford it today.
I had a very special Casino back in 2009, I miss that guitar all the time. Like you, can't even consider buying one for myself these days.