If one tries, it's not difficult to empathize with the frustration felt by both sides of this topic.  I think the best point made was the one about pricing one's services at a level where you don't have to deal with certain types of clientele.  My dad did it with his plumbing business...he hated doing residential repair work, but did lots of it when he first started out as an independent, to get established in the market.  Once established, he basically highballed everybody who called for something he didn't want to do...because he could.

I do the same thing with my Personal Training business.  I have set hourly rates that correspond with the results my clients can expect and the folks who've been with me long-term never ask if they can have their rates reduced because they see the value every time they look in the mirror.  Do potential clients sometimes complain that they can't afford me?  Sure, but not often and that usually subsides after about the 7th or 8th workout, when they start to see their investment pay off.  I've found that the individuals who split hairs about fees are the most high-maintenance about everything from that point on and, in the long run, they're more headache than they're worth.

Bottom line is that, whether you're shelling out your hard-earned shekels for some TLC or for a beatdown in the gym, if you do your homework, you'll almost always get what you pay for.

For the record, I have a difficult time affording the $$$ providers, too, so I kind of understand the frustration with it but I try to keep things in perspective.  The hobby is an occasional luxury for me, not a neccessity of life.  

Sorry so long-winded.