QL will be different I am sure--the events he does that are smaller also don't have security and as big of audiences all of which are more expensive to operate. The Farscape cast also refused to follow Creation's no personalizing rule. It is great --- though Creation does put the don't make your reservations to fly home so early<G>.
Angie and I have been to an event where he signed -- for about two and a half hours, after a benefit concert -- for free. So, I don't really think he's demanding that price. More over, seeing as he's about to be in a big movie with Matt Damon as one of the leading actors and has been in various guest spots on television all last year, I'm thinking he's not "hard up." On the contrary, he seems to have pushed through what weighs down some of our favorite sci-fi actors.
I think Angie's comments about charging what the market can bear are right on.
* Scott packs a convention hall and has long lines (despite the cost)
* Scott rarely does Trek conventions (or any conventions)
* Scott is a movie and television personality bigger than the other Enterprise actors and many of the Star Trek actors
* And to Angie's point, people will pay that much
I went to the 40th anniversary convention and though Archer is my second favorite character didn't pay the charge or line up. If you're insulted by the price, do what the market urges you do to: don't line up.
That said, I'm glad Scott manages to do Trek conventions. Considering he does so few, it's pretty exciting. I hope he continues. He's a great speaker, seems like a nice guy and his vitality shows through when he's speaking. Having attended the 40th, I would put Leonard as my favorite speaker (especially when it was him and Shatner together), but Scott was right after them. He blew many others of my favorites out of the water.