You are right on these aspects. It was always cheaper in Montreal than it was Toronto or the West. I also been told GFE is less expected in the west (Kissing, BBBJ) by providers who worked there. And yes i noticed a lot of high end indies have jobs related to the beauty industry in various forms. Sometimes they may have an OF wich bring extra $ too. And yes by charging more they also probably filter a lot of the "bad clients".I think some people raise their prices not because of inflation but because they want less clients or are in the process of retiring and they got a civ job.. Most people who charge over 400 have another decent source of income, I don't think all indies charge this price. But also, in other cities, it seems as though a lot of indy providers charge way more than here..
That said its still funny at times when i read that some indies have trouble getting booked (even when touring). Now sure they can offer what they want and charge what they want, its the rules, but instead of complaining i think it would be better to have a little introspection? Maybe the service being basic combined with the stiff price is why they don't get as many bookings as they would like. And unless there is a privacy issue at play (some may not want to work close to home), why going that far to work to begin with? Sure traveling can fun i supose at times but i have a feeling a lot of the indies who tour super often do it probably because they wouldn't be able to get enough bookings only in the city they are at the rates they charge. Just my guess of course but it make sense.
With all that said, obviously if a client pull 250 to 350 000$ a year, its much easier for him to have 800-1000$/h bookings and for multiple hours. Its the old joke of an hockey player being charged 5000$ penalty for an infraction, thats like getting charged 5$ for regular folks.