I guess I shouldn't be so impatient (imaptient).
Schneider bought his at 128,000 yen, which would be less than $1500 at today's exchange rate. I recently saw prices (in yen) at 178,000 yen; in fact, at one point over 200,000; that is not an exchange rate issue. That is profiteering. That said, I would be interested in this at $1500 + tophats, etc.
re German alternative. I thought I saw Bilstein B5 was the shock of choice; B6 & B8 wre for significant lowering. If lowering that much, just get the std Legacy stuff. If wanting more Outback-like ride height, I think the monotube B5 might be good enough. Matching springs is an unknown.
FYI, some non-Subaru BTS kits are under $1000 US. So, don't think anyone is doing us a favor at $1,500.
I am interested in group buy, just asking that we do a good job negotiating.