I don't think you're out in left field. I also haven't bought very quilting patterns because I know that I'm still moving at a snail's pace and I may very well no longer be interested in a certain pattern down the road.
I do have a lot of knitting patterns, though. Most are PDF, some were printed nicely on cardstock-like paper with photos, some from the yarn shop just printed off a normal printer.
I will have to mull over what I think about the cost difference. You see, I really like the PDF format. I like that I can print a copy to read through and write notes all over and easily obtain a fresh copy when I need it! I ended up photocopying my knitting patterns anyway for that purpose (for my own use).
So, I guess the price wouldn't phase me to pay the same price for a PDF if it was for a really well-written pattern-I see it more as paying for the ideas and good instructions, I guess? I also love the immediate gratification! :D And, no LQS near me to support, or I would.