>>3834037>They have more glass elements, but those elements are smaller,It's not always that simple.
Here is an example of 1 manufacturer how managed to reduce the number of elements as well as reduce the size of the elements, as well as making the optics sharper, less CA, less distortion, less vignetting wide open.
The only single advantage the long flange design had was Vignetting when stopped down to F5,6.
You are perfectly justified to ask for a higher price when you manage to design such a lens that kicks so much ass in 99% of all optical aspects.
Which was the point you originally made
