does anyone else think that the cost of shocks is a alot ?  why do they cost that much anyway ?

Because the cost of a chiropractor is even more if you don't!  Like everything in life there are cheap options and premium options, shocks are in those options

Valid question, something that everyone can go on a tangent about.

Think of it this way, your tyres are the only things touching the ground. What dictates the road surface to the chassis and ultimately the control of the bike? The suspension in between.

Varying materials, tolerances and adjustability are the reasons why high end suspension cost so much. I just put a set of Custom built Ohlins HD215's on my FXDLS and my corner speed through my typical twisties increased 25% at a guess, confidence in the bike is at an all time high and the comfort factor improved immensely giving a less fatiguing day out.

It's one of those things where stock will be fine for a lot of punters, but until you try high end stuff you don't know what you are missing.

This article sums it up pretty well.

http://www.bonnefication.com/suspension-upgrades-why-bother/