Dave, arguing is what some of us, including myself, think we are good at.
We do it for fun. Some of the guys/gals are downright funny.

Overly expensive, I would try negotiation, but it's available now but it needs to be rebuilt:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/324803273984

These carburetors can be 60 to 70 years old and may have physical wear issues, if you know where to look.
Except for basic repair kits, new replacement parts do not exist so you need a collection of good used parts.
The repair instructions included in a new gasket kit is usually generic. They often have errors.
This is when you refer back to the out-of-print original Carter/Rochester speciation sheets created for each model, if you know where to find one.
Labor is expensive anywhere in the USA so a professionally rebuilt carburetor reflects the cost.

"Adding CFM to a truck will only help at engine speeds you don't want to use."
"I found there was nothing to gain beyond 400 CFM."