Adapters are indeed expensive. But this is true from any universal programmer manufacturer. The reason is that there are so many different types needed to cover all the different pinnings of parts in the market and the large number of different package types. On the flip side the actual number of adapters actually sold by any given manufacturer is relatively small!! This is the main reason for the high cost.

Today many adapter manufacturers do not assemble their adapters till after the customer has placed the order and put up their credit card number. This build-one-at-a-time scheme also jacks up the cost of an adapter.

It is also interesting to note that many programmer manufacturers also do not make their own adapters but instead have them made by one of several companies that specialize in adapter builds. This additional layer of middle-man also raises the price of adapters and one more party looks for a profit margin.

Two companies that are big in the adapter business are Ironwood Electronics and Emulation Technology.

Michael Karas