A common misconception is the pricing you gave for Trex and really any of the composites. There are multiple products lines with each manufacturer. The fact is that most Trex is less than the prices you listed. The top product lines are in that range. These also come with a 25-50 year warranty. We can debate back and forth about strength but I will tell you that today’s cedar is cut earlier and does not have a solid of a heartwood center as older grown timber that we used to use. I also do not believe that a deck built today with cedar will last 25 years. When a consumer has to weigh these options it is a no brainer. Now, I did not even get into the sealing or staining aspect. Manufacturers and government have made a mess of coatings. Many of today’s coatings are film forming and peel and not maintainable. This frustrates the deck owner. Add this all up and despite your opinion, my opinion, or anyone else’s, facts are simple. Cedar is becoming obsolete and less desirable.