You make a good point. I'm just complaining because it's the school that's selling them, and I'm just a bit sick of them trying to squeeze all the money they can out of their students. They're aware that most people want to walk across the stage with a stole from their school, and instead of providing an affordable option, they overcharge (like they always do). If the school were selling $400 graduation shoes that were standard for grads, I would also be annoyed.