Just joined a few days ago, since I heard about the Volumetric sculpting developments. About the price/price changes, I think Andrew needs to do the price increase at one time or the other, with the feature flood 3.0 seems to be worth the price increase (at least to me).
Generally while the price is under $400 I really wont mind for professional use. Hobbyist may mind tho. So I guess its up to Andrew to price to his intended audience...
Also, since I havent used 3D Coat prior to this open Alpha cant judge on the stability of the program, but that will essentialy be a deal breaker/maker for me as a professional artist.