Here's a theory,
We know for a fact that there is new money in the hobby. As stated by others some wealthy new collectors have come to cards possibly for investments or partly collecting.
This fact may have triggered those who are manipulating/shilling prices to increase their gains by these artificial prices that only so few can afford to pay.
I know of one collector who is wealthy and is paying these high end record setting prices for these key cards that you guys speak of. He seems to feel that the trend will continue and prices will rise further so it is ok to pay these record $$$ amounts and hold till prices increase further.
As they say if there is blood in the water sharks will come
Again, just a theory and i may be way off.
I know collecting for me has become more difficult as i refuse to pay these record setting prices which are now even affecting even low to mid grade level cards.
Guess just seat back and watch till the dust settles. Only question is how dusty is the situation and how long till it settles.
Enjoy collecting