What if the high price is due to the ordering process including a configuration of your model as mentioned above. Colour, interior trim colour, decals etc. And on the S&H website there are drop down boxes accordingly and we get boxes in the box like with 8448?
I did the same, I'm a massive Lego Technic fan and have followed posts on here before. Just had to jump on the hype and ride the wave and I'm loving every second. Good job TLG, you've done it again, but better