I can't help but think that the low value on uprights is just more proof that the educational system no longer values music education in this country. Music has become optional in most curricula, so many young people never get a chance to see if they would like to learn music. Apparently, if it's not drums or electric guitar, or (god help us!) the ability to spit, hock and thump one's chest all at once while a buddy trills between two or three octaves in rapid succession but with no melodic sense -- then young people just don't consider it worthy.