So you agree.
At Harvard you’re paying those princely sums for the education (free), attention (quality tutoring fees), certification (exam costs), access (pay to play), and prestige (very expensive).
When you go to an high end restaurant, do you complain that the water and bread was too expensive? that’s all you need for a basic sustaining meal; it’s the Surf & Turf and Merlot ‘85 served on quality china by a fawning waiter in a romantic atmosphere that you’re paying the 3-digit tab for.
I agree with everything you just said. Made me hungry though for some bread and butter and red wine :-)