It seems to me the fundamental problem is the rules that are in place to ensure the safety and traceability for the exotic and special parts on large commercial aircraft are being mindlessly applied to small aircraft parts.
A perfect example is the electric aux fuel pump. The last one I saw replaced came with a big stack of paperwork and a hefty bill. But when you opened the box the instruction package thoughtfully provided details on how to install the pump in your boat, car, or home generator.
You could go on the web and order the
exact same unit direct from the manufacturer for 1/5 the cost. The box still had its original manufacturers shrink wrap around it so nobody in the aviation supply chain that sourced and handled it ever looked at the pump, did any QA, etc etc , what you were paying for was
only the paper to make it legal.
What makes me scared as the owner of a certified aircraft is that the, mostly USA based, light aircraft supply chain is going away fast. Decreasing demand coupled with an ever increasing regulatory burden is causing many of the companies that supply parts to get out of the business. Some popular types like the Piper Commanche, have parts that are now officially made of "unobtainium". Some of these aircraft are going to get grounded for extended periods of time or even for ever. because of the inability to obtain one crucial part.