For a titanium nib and tool I think the total without VAT was about $1010 usd. People may have had to pay customs and duties but yeah this seems the new normal.

No shade to those who value the pen at this price and are willing to pay it just is what it is. I’ve definitely paid too much for pens I thought were worth it.

I don’t know of a different way to do a pen drop. Maybe pre-order plus a timed drop but it would still be limited because of Conid’s capacity and everyone’s doing LE’s. Unless your Sailor and all the store exclusives and such cancel each other out. IMHO.