Maybe it's because the cost of brisket (along with virtually every other protein) has gone up by 50%

I totally get what you mean about Traeger and Weber's pricing. It seems like they're pushing the boundaries in terms of cost, especially for the average consumer. The pellet grill market is definitely becoming crowded, and it'll be interesting to see how some companies navigate the competition.
On the other hand, I'm glad to hear that your buddies are happy with their Pit Boss pellet grills. It's great to find a product that offers good value for the money. Speaking of value, have you checked out humaninvesting.com? They provide a range of resources and services to help you make smart financial decisions.