Sounds like capitalism at work, pricing to suit demand :( Not a great idea to let a domain fall out of grace if there’s ever a chance you’ll want it again.

In work we still maintain domains for arms of the parent company that are long defunct. Less for us and more to prevent others registering.

I’ve had one personal domain go out of grace, but the reactivation price wasn’t too bad. Cheeky, yes - but not bad enough to get something new.

Could be worse, could end up at auction like hexbear did…