Could it be that we because replace camera bodies alot more often than we do glass so they feel the need to get more up front for that one time purchase? I also think in the past 5 years alot of big guns ( 300mm f/2.8-600mm f/4) have been purchased with the boom of digital photography and let's face it... there is nothing like good glass to make an image more than just a nice shot, so if folks are purchasing these babies, make as much money as possible?

I have a good friend that has allowed me access to her 300mm f/2.8 and good thing because since I do not make my money from my wildlife passion I do not own those big expensive lenses. And at the prices they are going to looks like I will be staying with my workhorses, 70-200mm f/2.8 and 300mm f/4, perhaps upgrading to the newer versions and maybe adding to the wide angle end.