I can remember when CPU's cost like loads of dosh. The GPU is the new CPU if you like.

I also think it helps to focus on the cost of the entire system and not individual components. On the whole prices are down so with a cheap case, smaller hard drive, low end cpu (overclocked), onboard pretty much everything etc you can if you want find room to include a faster GPU. I was a £100 GPU man until recently but now I draw the line at £200 because I know can save £100+ on other components without impacting negatively on the frame rates.

I don't subscribe to the idea that everyone with an expensive GPU is minted and many early adopters will have had to make sacrifices to be able to afford the best. There are always those that have all the gear and no idea... they usually get bored and sell it all 2nd hand anyway.

Thoughts for the day.. Ed^