Very true but then again nothing like diving in south Asia my picture is from Thailand. eas out of the hobbit then went diving lolI've made this rant before. $2000 corals cost $2000 because people are willing to spend that much money, and want something other people don't have. It is the same as rare coins, dog breeds, art, etc. It is their money and their right, and I think in the long run it helps our hobby.
But I have a frag tank full of "Japanese" toadstools that I remember everyone drooling over at $200 a tiny button sized piece 10 years ago, along with some colorful montipora, bright green birdnest and lots of other really pretty stuff I enjoy having in my display that I am happy to get $5-$10 a piece for. Surf and turf Acro, one of the most colorful SPS that I originally paid $60 for never sells out anymore at $20. My personal favorite, ALT silver bullet (almost as blue as Oregon tort, much cooler growth form), I am trying to find buyers at $20 or given away free so I can buy more if something happens to my tank. None of it sells well, because everyone is huddled around Jason Fox, not buying, but just complaining they don't have $2000. My goal is to not throw any coral out, pay for the containers I give away, and if I am lucky, earn a few $ towards future purchases.
As for collecting your own, laws vary so you have to do your research. I've never done it, but I believe Mike Paletta and a few other hobbyists have. I think it would be really cool to have a coral I personally collected. But you really are fooling yourself if you think you save money by flying to Southeast Asia instead of a trip to your LFS.