LAME's, AME's and cost
I don't have a problem with the hourly cost, it is getting the person to actually do the work in anywhere that is an economical method.
The worst charge I had was for a PA31-350, where there was a 3 hour charge, no travel, nose in workshop and supplied battery and paperwork from Aviall [I took old battery away]. I have done the same job, just takes 19 minutes and an endorsement of MR.
Have lots of other examples, so I developed a work list of times by actually timing the L/AME - doesn't compare and am sure people are being charged a guestimate.