Well, I didn't pay retail for them....
If you're talking "retail", I've got $18,700 in my 18 rod/reel combos!
I had a bunch of equity in all the NRX's I sold, so it wasn't that much out of pocket cost to upgrade to the Conquest's. I agree with you in that G. Loomis' aren't cheap, but generally speaking there's a reason why a Lamborghini costs more than a Kia.
They are sweet rods and they're a pleasure to fish with! Don't pick one up at a local shop and feel it in person.....! You'll be doomed and you'll want one!