[Adrian Schneider]

People really shouldn't use XHTML compliancy as an excuse to raise the price, once you learn the few (yes few) differences between HTML and XHTML, it is jsut as easy, and takes no more time (assuming you know what your doing, and if you don't, you shouldn't be doing this!)

I find it rude to argue about someones price, if they feel that is what it's worth and you disagree, just look elsewhere. Even if they are totally wrong, let them find out themself, they won't get any customers. If they do, they must be doing something right, and you shouldn't be criticizing them. Although I'm not a designer, I would say it would really hurt for someone to say my work isn't worth what I am asking.

Anyway, give the designers some slack, but don't let them rip you off.

A great alternative is contests for forum skins on your board! It's not that hard to convert a PSD to a template, and IMO it has worked out great at my board (3-4 times).