The problem isn't necessarily that people were illiterate and the books were expensive. In those days, the Catholic church prohibited private individuals from even OWNING a copy of Scripture.You are absolutely correct, metmom.
The Catholic Church's hierarchy wanted to have strong and complete control over their followers which is why they did not want them to have scriptures to read. Heck, they might understand them and not have to buy salvation from the Church!
Yews because some of those copies were such poor translations (like "Yews", what's that translate to...*snerk*) that no one would want them.
John Wycliffe did a good job, and his translations were used for fuel to burn Hus at the stake.
You say "some" were poor translations and no one would want them (so what's the problem there?) so keep ALL scriptures from the people? What ever works to keep the masses ignorant of the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
I have told you the truth, if you choose to ignore it, that is your choice.