This can be looked at from many different points of view. I personally, and have heard from countless others that the Rainshadow blanks fish as well or better than a GL3. They are a mod/fast blank, making them a bit softer feeling, but as far as weight and sensitivity I feel they are right there..
and yes I feel a custom rod fishes better than a factory rod..TM but we can argue anything.
As for the price, I would love to be able to sell Loomis rods everyday... We make much more money on a Loomis rod.. due to the extreme mark up of their blanks/rods.
As for our prices on rainshadow TH Rods, this is a hobby business and we want to provide the best rod to fisherman who like to fish and we feel the Rainshadow blank is it. We have decided that we need to make a certain dollar figure on each rod and have set our prices accordingly. Are they I am anxious to see the new xcel line from rainshadow, if it is anything like the fly rods they have in their line it will be aswesome, and still moderately priced.
The great thing about all of this is you have a choice and get to have an opinion. Loomis rods rods are great, but not great for everyone.. Sage blanks are great too...

Anyone fishing for stripers?