I agree and disagree with this sentiment. Some prices have changed since the lock downs reduced stock, but most stuff i have received in the last year has been substantially better than I received 5 years ago. 5 years ago when I ordered a pot or stem bunch, there were 5ish moderately healthy stems that were a few inches long. The stems would barely have roots. The TC pots would have plants in the center of the cup and very small. My last couple orders this year were 10-15 stem that were much longer and healthier and with full root systems, so 2-3x the plants of better quality for 20-50% more cost. And TC cups are now full to the brim, side to side and top to bottom. The quality has also increased.
If I had to guess, producing these better quality plants costs more. Let's say it tanks 2 week to produce 2015 plants, it probably takes 3 weeks to produce 2020 plants. Time and space equals money.
A little over a week ago, I received an order from GLA. I was very impressed with the quality and quantity of my purchase. I also recommend forum purchases and clubs (by far the cheapest route).
Edit: one other major benefit, when you start with healthier stock to begin with, transitioning them to their submerged form is all but trivial. I would have 50% melt away. Now my rates are near 100% success. Although I'm sure several years of experience plays some factor, but I can't test that.
