Why is that funny. Seems like they're just responding to market conditions and market demand. Honestly I doubt it's a large percentage of either companies profits, but if people want to pay through the nose for a different foam padding, so be it.
In my opinion, they should just do what the goalie market has been doing for years, which is offer total customization for no extra cost. The gear already costs a fortune, and people pay it. The fact that player skates don't use a similar model just tells me the demand isn't there. Most players just aren't that picky.