additionally, I personally believe that what you say is absolutely correct. From a manufacturer's point of view, costs can be low. It's demand + optimisation that keeps them low.
Agreed, most people default to 3D printing. I think that's OK for brackets or joints but cut steel is so much more appropriate for anything larger.
The only thing holding it back is the bending operation, even 1.5mm is difficult to bend by hand with a "real" bender. Most people would not be able to do that operation at home. Solutions?
Too many variables to control and you wouldn't be able to offer free shipping anymore.... you'd have to offer a single bend radius and only 30, 45, 60 and 90 degree angles...
