I agree, but I'd include some other coffee chains and independent coffeehouses as well. I don't mind at all paying a buck and a half for a black coffee -- if it's good coffee.
What I don't understand is the $4 lattes and similar that they sell. If I was gonna dump cinnamon, chocolate, vanilla, as well as the mass quantities of sugar and cream which clearly annoy the "Center for Science in the Public Interest" into my coffee, then I'd start with cheap coffee, not the good stuff.
Right. What's the difference between a $3 cup of coffee that will knock your socks off and make your toes curl and a $7 bottle of regular beer at a bar. Same price markup.
I actually buy the coffee by the pound and make it at home. Costs less than 25 cents a cup. I would not pay that price for coffee except if I was away from home and on an expense account or as a special treat. People who would waste their money on that everyday are a bit foolish IMHO.