I called Angler's Workshop and asked them why their supplies added up to more than a finished rod, and they told me that Lamiglas made them agree to sell the blanks for a certain price. I was told that is commom practice with other suppliers as well.

So it sounds like TH is right on about the agreement Sportco has with Lamiglas as well. Plus it probably doesn't hurt that Sportco employs someone that has a signature rod named after him from Lamiglas.

HBP-- where did you price your supplies from? I really would like to build my own rod, but I have to justify it monetarily.