Much of Intel's performance lead in some single threaded applications was due to it's Turbo ability. Single threaded performance is important in most games … so AMD’s image took a heavy blow. Now that AMD has it’s TURBO, we won't se that 40% delta in Intel's favor but half of that. And yes, who the Fmuck would pay 300% of the money for 20% more performance ?

i note that intel are maintaining their policy of being an absolute and thorough monumental rippoff in the pricing of their products

but then again, a fool and their money are easily parted

First you mention Core i7-980X as one of the leaked prices but you don't mention the price.Ofc it's not needed since we all know the 999$ MSRP and the thing is even listed on newegg (at 1140$).
And this is just hilarious "Chipzilla's gear is difficult to unlock and overclock, although users have still been able to modify the front side bus speed."
There is no FSB anymore on anything newer than Core 2 Duo and it's damn easy to OC a Nehalem.