Soren,
You make my point exactly. You are one of those folks who does not feel that there is anything so unique about Airstreams to justify the price.
You have to remember that some people feel that the tube construction alone justifies the high price. Add to this the perception of easy towing and optimised storage and buyers willing fork over the bucks.
You and I might feel this is simply hype but that can be said about almost any item we buy from the vehicles we drive to the hats on our heads.
Yes, you do find Airstreams with the some of the same issues as a standard TT but how many other brands are professionally restored?
Like it or not, we all drink the Kool-Aid and beat our drums to express our opinions. If a person perceives value in a product, that is their choice. I certainly would not try to redefine their version of happy.
Personally I am a bit more frugal with my money but I am not part of the Airstream demographic.
The RV world is a big tent.
Be safe.