Oceanrider, unless you are talking about a low end cruiser style, mtn or hybred bike which cost around $200.00 to $400.00. Recumbents are not that much more expensive then a good quality road bike. My Vision R40 cost me $1,100.00 before my trade in. Most road bikes cost anywhere from $700.00 and up. And you can get a recumbent for less then $600.00. BikeE makes one. To date I think it is the most economical recumbent on the market. So a person really does not need to be wealthy or even a very serious cyclist to own a 'bent. I'm a serious cyclist who not wealthy by any means, unless you consider middle class income for the midwest wealthy, I don't, yet I own and ride a 'bent. Now will I ever own a higher end 'bent, say one that costs around $2,500? Probably not.
I do agree with your statement about there are not as many women cyclists as men. That is certainly one factor.