You know it's funny, you always whine about how things are shades of gray and then when something is explained in exactly that manner, you come back with "Make up your mind. Nice fence sitting."
I've stated NUMEROUS times that medical prices in this country are unacceptable and no consumer should be forced to pay any bill that isn't CLEARLY stated in ADVANCE of any treatment. Your beloved big government has set up this system starting with the HMO Act of 1973 and have could fix it at a whim but REFUSE to.
I have no idea what the markup is on your "friend's" particular piece of plastic was (I'm sure it was probably quite high) but that doesn't change the basic principles that are in effect in both the market (amputees) or the way the business is currently legally done. Should it have been $8K or whatever? Clearly not - but hospitals shouldn't be forced to treat people in emergency rooms for free, either - especially people who aren't in need of emergency care. Will that ever change? Somehow I doubt it, so get used to paying a premium.
I'm sure doctors/hospitals would be willing to charge a whole lot less the very second that trial lawyers and the Democrats in their hip pockets are willing to even talk about Tort Reform. I'm sure you're a champion of that.
As far as your name calling goes, I've been called worse by people I actually have some respect for. Feel free to take your best shot, Eric - it'll be as meaningless to me as the rest of your drivel.