To be fair before I start I should admit I'm not entirely unbiased here....but, if you take a few moments to do the math you'll find out it's not as bad of a deal as you think. A quick run through the items included will quickly get you to that number and more if purchased separately...not to mention all the shipping charges you'll quickly accrue by shopping a'la carte.
Next, understand that there is a lot more included then what is shown on a simple piece of paper. For example, the EFIS has been pre-programmed and setup for you. Your avionics also have been pre-programmed and setup for you. All the interconnect harnesses are provided, tested and included. You won't have to figure out how to get the GPS to talk to the intercom, or the Transponder to talk to the Dynon, or the Dynon to talk to the GPS, or the GPS to talk to the radio. It's all done, powered up, tested and programmed for you by the suppliers providing the equipment. The harnesses along are worth a LOT of money, which by the way include all the jacks, PTT switches, etc..
Another big consideration there is the main large "interface" system that Van's is providing. This consists of all switches, all fuses (yes...the fuses are included-many of the fuses are the lighted kind that illuminate when they fail), keyswitch, etc.. Installation is pretty easy because you just plug in all of your pre-made harnesses to the system then plug in all the pre-programmed and setup avionics. All switches are pre-installed, all fuse holders are pre-installed. the Keyswitch is installed...and all of the aforementioned items are already properly hooked to each other. Also, don't forget about things like the 406 mhz ELT, which on it's own runs nearly a grand.
Believe me I know that the pricing was not plucked out of the air...there was a LOT of work that went into providing a kit that while on the surface may seem high priced is in fact extremely competitive when the entire package is taken into account. Van's made a conscious decision to provide extra value with the kit when it came to pre-programming all of the avionics as well as the extensive interconnect harnesses.
I hope I don't sound defensive, I was just trying to provide a balanced look at where those numbers came from. There is a LOT to this package that on the surface you might not be aware of and it's in fact a lot more competitive than it appears at first blush. Lastly - believe me; nobody is getting rich off this package!
My biased 2 cents as usual!
Cheers,
Stein