I think it's more ...at least for me:
People don't want to feel like publisher/developers are getting over on us consumers by demanding a set price for a game based purely on the merits and accolades of the ones who make it. The fact that these companies can/do make quality games is besides the point however. Price should be reflective of production - or end product rather, but that doesn't exist in the industry (for new games).
This tinfoil hat mentality really needs to go away. That sounds ridiculous to me - "getting one over us" - like it's some conspiracy.
Point is, the world doesn't revolve around any one of us to have that sort of mentality.
If a game is too long/short vs. price - YOU make a value judgement. I have, and many others have.
It's not about setting a 'standard' and saying 'X time (length) = X $ (price)' for a game.
Like I said, don't find value to buy, then rent, no value there, then leave it alone. No need for vitriolic sourness that is often plaguing a lot of gamers these days. At least the vocal minority (hoping it's a vocal minority).
EDIT:
This is not anything against you for thinking this btw - I just meant that I don't think things are always as sinister as they seem. Especially with gaming.
When did gaming get so ridiculous that spending $60 on a dud becomes a "terrible financial choice"? Burying yourself in thousands of dollars of debt is a terrible financial choice. Sinking a huge ton of money into an investment opportunity without properly vetting it is a terrible financial decision. Why are gamers so risk averse these days? Buying a new game from a new console developer with handheld chops in a genre you like sounds to be pretty solid reasoning. Worrying about it so completely that we open multiple fucking threads on it seems excessive.
I'm not saying it is - at least relatively speaking (compared to your example) it isn't. I agree - it's not a big deal, but people want to argue that it is (either conspiracy-wise or that they're "losing out".
I was merely saying, money might be tight for some - I get it (which is why I made that statement - maybe extreme choice of words, or not). But it's not worth complaining over, every time a game comes out - people should know what to do by now.