You've completely nailed AC on this. They are probably too flummoxed to respond.

I joined a car discussion site and have started lots of threads about where the hell do Toyota get off selling a Lexus the same size as a Corolla for at least 17,000 dollars more when there is no way it costs them 17,000 more to make. Economic theory clearly states that the relative prices of things is based on the relative costs to make them. I've sent a ton of emails to Toyota about it as well.

The people on the car forum are a bunch of apologists who can't bring themselves to admit I am right, and Toyota doesn't even bother to respond.