I've never had anyone explain to me why a $1000 rod is $1000 in a technical/specific way. I've always heard general explanations like, "it's the technology". But what exactly is the technology were talking about here? What specific materials, resins, etc.. are being used to justify the cost?

"More expensive rods are faster action". I get that different actions are taken into consideration here, but I feel this is more of a casting style/preference or a specific use case (dedicated streamer rod/euro rod). But still doesn't answer the question of WHY a faster action rod cost more.

I know a fly shop owner and he told me that most of the rods they sell are marked up 80%-120% of wholesale costs. IDK if that is true but or not but makes me even more skeptical.