High quality boots definitely don't cost >$1000, and definitely not boots that are on par with the quality of DM from the 80s. DM from the 80s were "fine", but they still weren't really high quality and their soles were definitely not very durable.
Even today you can find excellent quality, resoleable boots, for $200-300. Just look at Redwing, Thursday, Wolverine and many, many others.
Just to be clear: you are not wrong.
That said, the vast majority of boot purchasers don't wear them enough to need Viberg, etc, quality, and almost anything will last them until they get bored of the purchase.
What I am curious about, though -- let's say you take technical outdoor mountaineering boots -- if you say "high quality boots are north of $700", why is it that mountaineering boots (thick leather, goodyear welted Vibram sole with high density and durable midsole, brass rivets, etc) can still be had in the $300 range.
The reality is that you're still paying a premium for the brand with White's, Viberg, etc, and for labor cost in HCOL manufacturing areas. There isn't $500 worth of difference between a Viberg Gobi Hiker ($910) and a Danner Mountain Light ($440).
Viberg (made in Denmark): https://viberg.com/products/hiker-gobi-regency-calf Danner (made in USA) : https://www.danner.com/men/hike/mountain-light-ii-5-brown.ht...
Heck, I can even shave more off the price and get something basically the same (Alico, made in Italy, $325). https://www.alicousa.com/product-page/summit-full-grain. I have been wearing my pair of Summits for 15 years already.
Check out rose anvil on YouTube, the guy cuts boots in halves to check the build quality, and has some good recommendations
You can get boots that function as boots for $300. The thing is everyone has forgotten what high quality actually is. High quality boots are north of $700 starting price and can last 20 years.
This is of course a massively opinionated subject about price/quality so no one will ever agree but there are plenty brands north of $1000 now that probably are around as big market as doc martin was in the 80s. I'd consider that to be the more accurate comparison.