I’d say there’s a difference between paying a base minimum of $200 up front to get a playable game, versus paying $50 up front to get a playable game then spending another $150 spread out over multiple other books that expand the game but aren’t required to play.

Generally speaking, right now $50 is pretty much my upper limit on a new game, barring special circumstances. I think the most I’ve paid for a game in a while is $100 for Unknown Armies 3 and $65 for Fragged Empire (which was shipped from Australia).