I've always invested in .COM because it's the first in mind domain for most folks. By continually raising prices without a cost justification I think most folks like myself will view this as a simple cash grab.
I think the fact these decisions are made arbitrarily behind closed doors also opens up ICANN and VeriSign to questions of honestly and transparency. I realize that the process is not meant to be democratic, or fair, but rather to be profitable. However this doesn't in anyway absolve you from decent conduct.
Kurtis Staples-King