How can we aford to stay in this hobbie

As you can all see by the last post: $400+ dollars for dead rock.

I'm having a dilemma right now. My tank is looking pretty sweet right now.
However I would like to get more diversity in the tank
by buying different corals...color and form.

WHY DO THE LOCAL FISH SHOPS SELL LITTLE PIECE OF
CRAP CORALS THAT ARE MOSTLY BROWN FOR $60+ DOLLARS.
EBay is getting ridiculous as well...$10 for the coral and $50 to ship.

Don't think I expect to pay $10 for little coral frags all the time
but where does a guy like me look for good deal ?

I feel like these pet shop guys are taking advantage of us more and more
everyday.

Example: Purple up LFS $19
Bigalsonline.com $12

Filters...$60+ dollars
Online ...SAME FILTER NEW...$25

What's up and where do we turn ?

Thanks