Well, for one. Like I said, when I last e-mailed Mark MCkeever from TJM USA, I was told Desert Rat was the only retailer. At that time, I beleive they listed prices for the TJM at $750. At that time, $650 was the going price for an ARB. I just checked and they have lowered their price to $719 for the TJM. Still out of line in my opinion.
Currently, the ARB is advertised at $619 at 4x4 Connection and yes $595 at 4wheelparts. You listed $675 for AC's normal price for the TJM. THat is still more than an ARB is going for.
As to the gougeing of prices. Let me put it this way. ARB's initially sold for around $600, but once everyone started showing more interest and more orders were being placed, the average price jumped to around $650. Why? They found out that a certain number of people would pay that price (much like what has happened with gas prices). Now the price for the same ARB seems to have dropped back to around $600+/-. I wish I could find more online pricing for the TJM to compare, but my quick search of the usual places turned up nothing.
I realize where these bumpers are made, a well as how much R&D is involved in making them. Although, I don't think I would ever buy from KMA (only because of poor craftsmanship and customer service), I do like their bumper design. Much cheaper for the basic bumper, but they need to take some welding classes. TJM and ARB both have much better quality standards and more sofisticated processes (ie: no beer involved in the welding process). I will happily pay more for that. However, I will not pay more than a Jeep owner normally would. Which at one time is what quite a few Xterra ARB purchasers did.
Like I said, I like the TJM, but if it's a $50 more than an ARB when I get ready to buy. I will buy the ARB. That's $50 that I could spend on lights.
Of course to get a complete price comparison, you must also compare shipping costs.
Good luck with your purchase
Wilbur