David, much as I empathise on the bang per buck value that the American seem to enjoy I'm not sure it's a valid comparison. As has been said in the past the UK and North American markets are so different in size, woodworking culture and buying habits that comparisons are, to some extent, worthless. If you use the Big Mac comparison (ie purchasing parities) our US friends regard the value of a dollar note much the same as we value a pound note. As exchange rates are more an indicator of a particular country's economic performance rather than a direct value of a single product, comparisons between here and the US do not stand up. Allied to this, factor in manufacturing economies of scale, increasing willingness for US manufacturers to source overseas (indeed it won't be long before Unisaw components are all made in Taiwan) and the US buying public's slow but steady realization that clinging to the "Made in USA" mantra does not make economic sense.
Sure, I'm as keen as anybody to see $ for £ prices here but can't see it happening. I had hoped at one time that the EU would become a single trading entity that would rival the North American market but with so many disparate taxation rates etc and a lack of unity, it'll be sometime, if ever, before Europe can get it's act together. And we can't forget about China and India, the next two superpowers.
Noel, talking away above his weight.