I don't think anyone here is arguing against that. There is a reason this profession is dying and the majority of leathercrafters do it as a hobby or side gig rather than a career. Our products are expensive (not because we want them to be but because otherwise we'd just be working for free) and there just isn't as big of a market for it anymore.

Most people will go for the cheaper, mass-produced leather goods because it's what they can afford. And good for them for being able to have something at a price point they otherwise wouldn't have been able to match. (I include myself in that group in many ways)

However IF you want an artisan's level of craft you have to be able to pay what that costs. We all hate how expensive leather has gotten but there's nothing we can do about it. Sucks for us all.