Price wise - I think they are high $$$$ because of the growing popularity/demand. Its the new hot ticket item folks want, so they jack up the price. Supply/demand/people willing to pay the price. I don't know...I'm not an economist.
I do know that my Viking Epic 980q has a 12" harp and I LOVE IT. Going back to a domestic sized area would be really difficult. While mid-arm or long arm machines are awesome - I'm in a very confined about of space, so my machine works great for me. (And I didn't pay a fortune for it. I got a bigger trade in on my Babylock than what I originally paid for it and the shop was in a crunch because they were being forced to move = a deal I was overjoyed with!)
Anyway - in time, maybe the larger harp machines will be standard, and the regular size be considered travel/compact and the pricing will level out. Meanwhile - enjoy what you have and keep having fun!
Donna Mc