You're exactly right, regarding the size too, as few people actually have the facilities to maintain large constrictors, so teh smaller P. regius appeals to them as well.
I believe you would be surprised by the number of people who have purchased high end color morph P. regius simply to have one as a pet, as I know MANY folks who have done just that, though not everyone has a desire to post their business and / or animals on the internet. I know a few who refrain from posting out of fear someone might discover where they live and attempt to steal their animals, a very real threat in todays society I'm afraid.
While the "morph du jour" will certainly go to other established breeders, at prices which could support some third world countries for a year, there are always those who simply wish to keep something "unique" and harbor the financial resources to acquire such.
If you believe color morph snakes are expensive and a lot of folks get their feelings hurt by getting left out, try looking into equines! My wife is a former national equestrian champion and breeder of Andalusian horses. This works perfectly well for me, as it allows me to justify any “high end” acquisitions I might be inspired to make, as the highest prices reptiles do not come close in comparing to the price of highest priced equines…

Just something to chew on,

Jeff
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Jeff Snodgres
University of Arkansas
snodgresjeffreys@uams.edu
501.603.1947

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