In reply to:

marked down 50%. At that price they're worth looking at, but not at full retail.

Oh i would agree. At 50% of their price they would be very attractive but still cost more than many would want to spend.
I still wouldn't buy them at half price mind you but only because i've found other brands/models that i prefer more in both sound and aethestics.

"Those who preach the myths of audio are ignorant of truth."