Are any of you empeg guys reading this? The answer is programming. It's free- it only takes time and creativity (assuming you have the knowhow).

How the hell do you work out that programming is free? I certainly get paid every month.

There's no question that it's a high quality player, but is it worth $1500?

Well, considering that it costs a significant fraction of that to make one (not including the software -- but that's free, right?), then in material costs alone, yes it is worth that.