There used to be a sweet deal available on the stamped metal baskets-- like $3 per basket, but only if you ordered them individually. It seems that the closed up that loophole when they raised most of their prices last year.
The wire-style baskets are a really great tool in your kit, ideal for lots of applications. But the new price is prohibitive, yes. The budget-minded can always keep an eye out for bargains on old SSes and MTs, right?