You obviously can get cheaper alternatives, but they're just not as good.
I'm going to have to disagree with you on that one.
Blichmann stuff is terrific, but what you are paying for is convenience and a very good name.
I can assure you the quality of the brew gear I built is just a good as the Blichmann stuff, it just isn't as pretty and doesn't have Blichmann stickers on it.
If people want to spend their money on flash Blichmann gear then more power to em, hell if I had that sort of dough to throw around I'd probably have a few items in my brewery too, but cheaper alternatives* (especially custom built stuff) doesn't necessarily mean it is of a lesser quality.
My 2c.
*I will concede there are plenty of cheaper alternatives where the quality matches the price.