This was a huge discussion on my world as well and ill explain the situation to you best I can.

First, a recent patch has made Tomes much less rare, which was a very important change. Youve probably noticed this, of course, but how does this relate to a DROP in most star 2s?

What is now VERY obvious, was something only a select few FCs did. Work as a team. If you noticed, the tome item drop started right around the FC housing announcement.

Now FCs are opening their stockpiles, to make money grabs. Your biggest problem and everyone's biggest problem, is that you still are caught up on the "Worth 40k per, requires 9!".

9 times 0 is a much much lower number. If people had duped endless supplies, they would of sold TONS AND TONS. As is, ive bought from several 'dupers', who are always the same thing.. Quiet player, I never really heard from, but saw often. Most crafts at 50, same FC since forever.

Also, lastly, the price hasnt enough dropped below standard 'cost' on most star 2, it sits right around it, and thats factoring in costly mats. Just like other markets, all the items for anything can be farmed yourself and 'cost' isnt a rule of thumb.