A lot of VNs that come out in Japan cost anywhere from 20 - 60 dollars. Everyone has different standards and that's perfectly fine. Trust me I think people who buy the sports games and call of duty every year at 60-70 dollars are crazy. But i have spend a ton of money on games from Nekopara, Higurashi and the Fate franchises.
All I am saying is the line ( a "game" that's entirely just pictures and text line) for those of us who like VNs this is annoying to see.
Complaining about the Ai part is a different argument. However, 95 percent of all Vns are just pictures with text.