If people just didn't go along with the prices they'd drop them ... but we know there are enough mugs who don't think that way.
And this is it, really. People are moaning - with some justification - about the prices, but too many will suck it up and the Friedkins know this. The reality is the club is not trying to sell beer to every fan who enters the stadium. They are trying to sell a certain quantity of beer at a premium price. Over time, as the proportion of day-trippers and tourists increases, this strategy will likely be borne out.
I'm not sure people are getting the reality. They haven't funded this new stadium for the exclusive benefit of local fans. They are eyeing up the big event day-tripper market which, with the best will in the world, is ridiculously undersized at our club for obvious Bill Kenwright-shaped reasons.
No impoverished fanbase in the country has a facilility like our stadium to enjoy at good value prices. There is a reason for that... Such facilities are never aimed at such fanbases.
These prices are merely a harbinger of what's to come. This will be tolerated, in general, if it is accompanied by good football and success. The ideal outcome for locals is a fine, successful side is put on the pitch and beer prices are cheaper outside the ground. Tourists who don't know the area very well - or who simply cannot get to more than the odd game - will happily settle for one day of gouging as part of the "experience."