A guitars cost is more than just the sum of its individual parts. Everyone here can see where 'cuts' can be made to increase their profit margin or drop the price down for consumers - we see these areas in guitars like the CE, S2 and even in the SE range. Things that PRS already employ as you move down the ranges - things like getting two tops for a CE out of the same quantity of maple they use for a Core. I don't know if PRS also have to pay more for their Maple because you don't see that amount of flame on other big brands. Having the money ready to pay up front also helps to be first in line where other companies may pay for it once those instruments are sold. PRS core guitars aren't taking 'short cuts' - like making the neck out of 3 (or more) planks but carving out a lot of wood to shape. The wings maybe glued on but aren't part of the structural integrity as the hole for the tuner isn't in that wing. Making a Hollowbody starts off with the same 'slab' of mahogany a Core guitar uses - they just cut out the middle to leave just the sides. To me, PRS don't appear to take 'short-cuts' that may, or may not have any impact on sound, its all about making the 'perfect' instrument and not compromising for a cheaper price pount.
There are also many costs to account for beyond just the materials and wages of those involved with the making of a guitar. You have costs to run a factory, pay ALL the staff whether they are actually involved in the production or doing other jobs like PR, Sales, Artist Relations, even the cleaners. They also have to pay distributors and shipping costs to send their guitars around the world. I don't know how CITES work but I expect some costs are involved here too. Talking of CITES, there are costs involved in having staff locating, purchasing and shipping wood into PRS. Advertising and that includes the costs of booth's at NAMM for example and the Artists that may be at these shows, make guitars for reviewers (even if they don't keep them), for artists as well as all the Prototypes and Research and Development costs - not just of PRS guitars but also for the artists who have 'signature' models. I know PRS make guitars that are given away to some one - regardless of whether its a PR stunt or whether its a guitar for someone who deserves it for one reason or another - a Staff build for length of service, a guitar to a retailer or distributor as a thank-you for something. Cost for hosting or sponsoring an event - like She Rocks or young guitarist and giving a guitar away as a prize. I could go on and on but at the end of the day, there are a LOT of costs that still have to be accounted for from the money coming in from the sales of their products.
It terms of price point, I do think PRS Guitars are 'expensive' but you also have to compare other guitar's in that price range too. If we look at the 'bottom' end, the SE's, do they compete well with the other guitars you could buy. I believe the most expensive is the Pauls Guitar in the US at $1k but don't know what the cheapest SE is. Comparing these with the other guitars under $1k, do they compete or are they over-priced for what you can buy instead? If the answer is 'yes' then buy something else. The prices also come down to what a person is willing to pay. If you can find a better guitar than the SE Pauls for that money, buy that and retailers will have to drop their prices, take more of a hit on their profit margin.
When I look at the cores I have, all (apart from my HBii which cost considerably more) where ~£3300. A Gibson HP was around that price but the Custom Shop, re-issues etc are all over £5k. Not necessarily better built - same with the Fender Masterbuilt - some of which looked like they had been trashed (I think they call it a relic). The Music Man Majesty Monarchy 6 string is £3.5k, and the back looks ugly with half of it covered in Plastic back plates - not recessed either. I could name others but, in my opinion, compared to what I could buy for the Money, very few if any guitars can match a PRS in quality, aesthetic beauty, playability, tone etc Some may match it in some areas but not in all - hence I bought the instruments I have.
The point is, the cost is what it is - whoever is making 'some' profit off the sales. retailers have a shop and staff team to run so its not all 'profit' to them as some of that is going to overheads and purchasing new stock to replace the sold stock. If you can't afford to pay the price, pay what you feel is the right price for you and your budget, then, like everyone else does, you will either have to look at the used market or find something else in your price range. If nothing in your price range compares to a Core PRS, then that also tells you why these cost more - if not, then buy the guitar that's as good or better in your mind.
