I posted this before looking for topics, but it kinda ended up being online support for general bicycle troubles.
Which is a good thing! Ask your questions about bicycles that are currently on your mind and we all try to help.
Pre-Emptively calling in @dallasw and @Kissmydadonthelips for their knowledge.
I mean on a shorter timescale Corona has basically gotten everyone and their grandma to get on a bicycle for recreational purposes which has driven all the prices up.
If we're talking 6 years ago and if I read this correctly as being from the US, looking from the outside in there is just very little staying power for the bicycle as anything other than for the poors (who don't buy their bike from bike shops) or as a gear-intensive hobby.
The latter one, to me, would explain why hardly any bike shops would sell you an old school alumnium tubed bicycle for a cheaper price. Maybe try one of the direct delivery brands for that one? They still exist, after all, even new.