I see this as an intriguing development, though I agree fully with PH's points at the same time. I recently saw some 12 speed rear cassettes, the new "thing" I suspect, with 10-50 and up to 10 - 53 I believe. It seemed the size of a medium Pizza stuck to the back hub and went from 150 to 325 dollars.
I couldn't help the fist emotion that went through me. That cycling has turned into some freak fetish, and silly high pricing is a plus for many. Perhaps it makes them feel extra special. Then I felt guilty and have been trying to see the positives, and suppressing the knowledge that not long ago they, the marketers, were herding the crowd in the other direction.
But I like it now. Pizza drive trains will look cool after a twelve pack, and soon enough this model will be upgraded to a tree speed, and we are back to the post war era. Perhaps soon they will bring out a new 5 speed to mate to it? Just imagine the marketing. Five speed narrow range gearing with extra durable chains which you will be able to pick up for under $150 on sale eventually. The chains, dubbed "fatDriveX-1Pro super" will be rated for cross country gravel racing (yay!) and due to the lesser wind resistance of five speed external on three and four speed internal - well, I know I'll need one.