The thig is is even though prices are dropping any they will be the next corn snake a person can still make their money back if they are passionate about te hobby. Hell, if pewters drop to 50 and you paid 400 in 2-3 years you should have 100% of your money. So I don't think we should be shy about spending for a hobby. I think people making money days are over unless you have millions of lil snakies
You still have to factor in the upkeep of said snake. If you breed your own rodents, bedding and food adds up. You cant get into this hobby with the intent of making money. It just isn't going to happen unless you are working with 4-5 gene combos or new morphs.