This reads like straight up corruption and extortion. There could be no other reason to do this than to milk as much money as possible out of people who have no alternative.
You should absolutely be testifying before Congress, not before HN.
This is exactly what happens when a monopoly produces extremely price inelastic goods. If it's not illegal, the monopoly will attempt to charge each customer as much as they can afford.
You should absolutely be testifying before Congress, not before HN.