Parts Prices, WTF?!

I will say that i am ashamed to say that I scrapped trashed stuff back in the 80s when I was a kid that I realize was useable now. but back then i didnt know and stuff was easier to come by, I scrapped a 360 short block because I wasnt going to use it,it was in the way and I needed beer money, I trashed a 70 dart grille that I now realize may have been repairable...etc. The 360, at the time it was given to me, I think I bought a 360 manifold with a 600 Holley on it for 40 bucks, I mean things back then were "cheap" No I didnt trash the Holley LOL!