[parka]

The article reminds me of what I learned in a marketing:

Value = Benefits / Cost http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Value_%28marketing%29

Marketing comes into play. If not, items for sale would be using cost-based pricing.

A Mac and a PC would both can accomplish the same task. But one is more expensive than another. Being cheaper doesn't necessarily mean it won't last as long.

Tipping is one area that I don't understand about cultures that have them. Generally, I would expect the tip to be included in the price of the food. Why waste my time and have me figure out what amount to tip? Personally, I don't see the perceived value of tipping.

In some way, how much you pay is also determined by how you see yourself, or in some cases want others to see you.