I think we need perspective.
Several folks, including me, have questioned BBM's pricing strategy. But I submit that in developed countries folks will pay for what they want.
So, for instance, I took the family out for dinner Sunday. It was wholly optional. We went to a midrange place. The cost was roughly $200. We could have gone to a more expensive or less expensive place. We probably could have had a better meal at home. We chose to go out because we wanted something different, maybe a little special (or not). Either way it was $200 for a wholly discretionary purchase. A purchase with a several hour lifespan.
Compare that to a phone. Yes, one can get a less expensive phone than a BlackBerry. One can get phones with arguably better specs at the lower price point too. You are buying a package. Every phone has compromises. Pick the one that best suits you - the one you WANT. If you choose something else, is suspect BBM will not be insulted.
But if you are here, you value some component of what BBM offers. It could be a handful of things, but it is likely the PKB. Of course you are free to purchase one of the multitude of other PKB devices. Oh wait, their aren't any. So do you want or need a PKB? Is it worth double the price of a midrange dinner out? Get an LE. Is worth more get a K2. If you really want RED... you get the point.
And if the price new is too much, look at the resale market.
Bottom line folks, get what you want. It is a free country. Complain if you want. It is a free country (at least most places). But at least know what you are doing. I bought a K2. I believed then, and now, that it was too highly priced to attract new adopters. I felt, then, and now, that the LE price point made sense. I might be correct or not.
The proof will be in the sales.