The problem is hams expect things to cost near nothing and prices never to increase.
ARR Gasfet preamps* sold for years at $79.xx yet cost of material are rising. Last I checked they still use the mgf-1302 yet where is one able to find one? The mgf-1302 provides a reliable 0.5 dBNF and about 22 to 25 dB gain.
PGA-103+ appears to get 0.6 dB gain with about 15-18 dB gain
If you are a small mfr you do not get the volume parts discounts so materials represent 80% or more of your price and return on labor does not justify working. When I built DEMI transverter kits for $100 in labor I made $100/16 = $6.25 per hour. I finally quit as I thought about doing something else in my retirement.
WA2ODO has quit the preamp business (age & health). For $85-110 you don't make much for your time once the cost of materials is paid.
*non RF switched versions
Spend $95 each for two coax relays and add to $79 and see how cheap you can make a switched one for yourself. Yes, some pcb relays can be used if you can figure out how to eliminate inherent inductance/capacitance. RF-sensed switching preamps are still "hot switched": RF arcs across the contacts as the relay closes. Only with a switched preamp under sequenced dc control is the device truly safe.
73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com Dubus-NA Business mail: dubususa@gmail.com