As a dealer, what I see is pricing from Bushmaster that is consistent with where pricing was before the AWB took place. Prices appear to be up just slightly, but what prices aren't up over the past 11 years? The new post-AWB rifles are perhaps $50-$75 more than the post-94-ban items were, but they also offer more features that would increase the pricing (flash hiders, collapsible stocks, more choices in barrel length), that would increase manufacturing cost. The only line I see taking a substantial hike over the last 11 years is Colt.
From a dealer cost standpoint, the Bushmaster's aren't priced any higher than Armalite or DPMS - maybe a very slight prmium, but in the ballpark, and Bushmaster is offering a very broad line of choices. Maybe the anger is a little misdirected, and the dealer's in your area are increasing prices and blaming the manufacturers?