Yet somehow they seem to think that whoever does own the equipment should not make all they can from it. 

It's simple, really.....if someone is "too high" then find a different alternative.   If you can't find a different alternative, then perhaps they aren't "too high" after all....or maybe it's time to consider getting into that business yourself, if he's making such a terrible killing at it...apparently he needs some competition.  When you let your business be dependent on the benevolence of others, you are probably going to get eaten sooner or later.  Gripe at me all you want, but that's just the way it is.