Doug et al.
I think $10k frames/bikes can be built and that there is a market for them, but from my limited point of view it is a currently a question of marketing that limits such a frame from coming to fruition. For example, one esteemed ex-listmember sells reasonably priced frames (in comparison to a $10k frame) and has a 4+ year waiting list on delivery. Serotta (at one time a KOF builder, alas no more lugs), builds an $8000 plus carbon fibre frame, and the buyers were lining up when it was first announced.
I truely believe the market is there, but for some reason it goes untapped by the KOF builders (for the most part).
Get the word out (and I don't mean to already existing enthusiasts, thats like preaching to the choir) and like the movie says "If you build it they will come. . ."
Marty Eison
Frisco (not wine country), Texas