Dehavillanddriver,
You would be well aware that, due to the rivalry between manaufacturers, endorsements are commonly offered as an incentive as part of the package when negotiating the sale of aircraft. In that sense, they are free. The aircraft would not be any cheaper if the operator decided to go without them. Airbus especially commonly does this.
Ratter,
It's a sad day when we accept that paying tens of thousands of dollars for endorsements is ok just because the airline decides it can charge you. In a fair world, if you are going to pay for your qualifications, then it would be fair to charge your employer for the use of that qualification. The airlines are simply using bully boy tactics while they can.