Price is a common complaint. Big-name manufacturer can cover the cost of building the frame with their volume discounts on parts. All of the recumbent manufacturer combined couldn't generate enough volume to do that. That's just the way it is, and the way it'll always be if recumbents don't get waaaay more popular than they are now.

Best bang-for-buck on new recumbents seems to be Performer. They're sort of the bikesdirect of the recumbent world. Not quite as refined or lightweight as something from a 'brand name' maker, but more likely to nearly hit your price point -- whatever that is.