The only "problem" I have with your scenario about R&D costs is that it is the same for the rest of the industry.
Brian
Believe me, I can't justify the cost of cables at all. I'm just saying that those that I have heard try to explain it, point to the ever elusive and inexplicable 'R&D', as a coverall expense.
Maybe, since they have the same 'R&D' as say a speaker manufacturer, the cable manufacturer feels the need to make the same net profit per unit sold to cover the costs for the same 'R&D' as the speaker manufacturer.
The only ones that know aren't talking, so we are left to surmise the reasons.
John