VHF Radio Pricing

My remote VHF microphone has been giving me trouble.  I was hoping that it was just that the cable contacts were corroded but I have been unable to clean them and get it working again - if in fact it is the contacts.  I have been researching replacements.  What I don't understand is why I can purchase an entire new VHF radio for less than the cost of replacing my remote microphone.  This is true no matter what brand I pick.  A new VHF without bells and whistles is about $100.  Remote microphones (presuming you have purchased the radio that goes with that particular microphone) start at about $120.  In some cases you then have to purchase and extension cable for even more money.  Something is very wrong with the pricing.