The supply and demand thing is a key issue. I've been looking for a jointer for quite a while and the only ones listed in my area are seriously old and rusty Craftsman 6" listed for over $200.
Looking at cabinet saws yields the same results. To me a 1960's Rockwell saw (rusty and in pieces) isn't worth $12-1500 and a Craftsman contractor saw isn't worth $250.
I just keep a saved search (sending results to my email), hoping to run into someone that isn't so clueless or greedy.
It's never too late to have a happy childhood.