I've paid the "Early Adopter" tax quite a bit, most of my solar projects were on their 3rd or 4th iteration before I knew this forum existed and the resources at the time were quite limited. Back then a Mid-Grade MPPT controller was MidNite and cost a few hundred bucks.
I wouldn't call it a "Stupid Tax" or a "Lazy Tax" since at the time the only people working with solar were the brand-new-fly-by-night-grid-tie-installers and major power companies. Not a lot of available information out there.
I will refuse however to pay the "Victron Tax" and buy an overpriced piece of kit just because it's "The Best" by popular demand. There is nothing that the $800 MPPT does for me that a $200 MPPT doesn't do. I'll never understand the big desire for equipment that requires bluetooth and constant internet connection and such for an off-grid cabin that has no internet or cell access.
But that's just me. I'm going to go hide from the Victron Mob now.