R&E = Rare and Expensive!?!!

I have been off the beaten path of C&V for a while, but lately getting back into the saddle - , however I finally jumped on working towards completing my C&V baby hauler and noticed a few things:
1. C&V stuff is getting rarer
2. Rarer + Good Condition = Expensive
3. Expensive = not ridden much!

I was fortunate to get into C&V as a bike I could afford, first as a Bianchi road bike, which eventually upgraded into Centaur 10sp, transforming it into a formidable racer that can comfortably fit in with any carbon-clad pace-line.

My next "build" was taking a forgotten Miele and using it as an everyday bike, Fenders, Racks and Bags, but in looking for some parts, I am starting to think C&V is turning into a toy or status-symbol/fashion-statement/conversation piece...

Racks are pretty expensive and don't even get me started on Bags. Be it of waxed Canvas or leather, I can't seem to get anything nice for under $100! Carradice or Zimbale seem far too nice for daily use!! I am thinking with all the new stuff, such as the re-birth popularity of leather brooks-like saddles, that there must be more affordable bags with some classy vintage styling, but can't seem to find anything even remotely close!

Is the affordable bike now a wal-mart special with nylon panniers from REI or mec.ca?? I am just frustrated at the irony of the C&V scene of DIYers, and those that bike as part of their daily lifestyle, to have to turn to modern, generic solutions in an effort towards affordability......