Let me insert a little perspective here. The Scottish Rite has gone through a lot of changes in its long history. In the twentieth century, the requirement that you had to be either a 32nd degree mason or a Knight Templar to join the Shrine influenced the Rite's practices quite a bit. A lot of men who had no interest in the Rite's teachings and philosophy were joining just so they could "get in on the fun" in the Shriners. The Scottish Rite responded by making it easier to become a 32nd degree mason...abbreviated reunions became popular, and what had once taken an investment of considerable time, money, and mental effort was being conferred in a few hours. Then the Shrine dropped its requirement, and suddenly the Scottish Rite was forced to deal with a new generation of masons who were coming to the Scottish Rite in smaller numbers, but with higher expectations. They were looking for MEANING in each of its degrees. A process of dusting off the more sublime, intellectual aspects of the Scottish Rite began, initially with the formation of the Scottish Rite Research Society, and with the publication of many books that allowed members to glimpse the iceberg under the water's surface. Now the leadership has made some fundamental decisions. The Scottish Rite isn't for everyone. We are going back to the full presentation of all degrees, in some cases over the course of months, and following it up by providing the members with a framework to study and understand the degrees after they have received them. And that is going to cost money. People need to understand that they aren't just buying a cap anymore...everyone is going to have the benefit of the full scope of the Scottish Rite experience. If you don't think that's worth $500, then you're not who we're marketing to.