Dave, it's not a question of musicians discussing luthier's prices or rates; it's a question of luthiers discussing prices and rates amongst themselves, which is technically illegal. Competitors discussing their prices becomes price fixing in no time.
Luthier #1: "I charge $3500 for a fretostat replacement"
Luthier #2: "Wow, I've only been charging $2000 (and I know my work is better than yours). I think I'll raise my price".
Luthier #1 "I think I'll raise mine too (because I know my work is way better than yours)."
Of course the above scenario is a bit ridiculous, but there is some truth there. And that's why the FTC is supposed to exist--to prevent monopolies and to foster unencumbered competition.
Your other point, that it is impossible to give an accurate estimate for a given job without at least inspecting the instrument is also valid.
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