I'd say the 100 for a custom pattern isn't that much considering you're paying someone to sit down and make one for you. You're paying for his services and expertise and this shouldn't be compared to e.g buying the program. That's like complaining about the price of a logo someone made for you claiming the price of a set of pencils is just a few euro's
Totally agree with you Vanrhodes. I needed a minimum of 3 custom bartack to start, and i had forseen to spent 300.
If software would had cost 1000 i would have choosen certainly the service but, due the competitive price, i preferred to invest money and time on on it.
Furthermore, you have to consider that the software are the same also for the BAS machines ( amazing up-grade for the future ) so you will be ready to draw and load pattern on it.