Interesting read.
First off there's a couple things that should be noted. Your comparing Downtown to Vancouver, most places would be cheaper, if you want even more ghetto sushi then you can look further towards AYCE in Richmond. Rent on Robson is not cheap
Then there's The Eatery which you speak so highly of. Been there twice, busy and not busy, service was poor, even for Canadian standards (speaking of which, all the waitresses there are Caucasion?! ... serving ... Japanese?! .. uh..)
Then there's the food. I won't assume that the Kitchen is run by non--Authentic chefs like the floor staff but from the taste of things I don't doubt it. The cooked food was very standard. Almost hole-in-the-wall ricebowl takeout style, for $12?! .. a chicken teri-don? .. I guess they have to make up for the cheapo rolls that naomi mentioned. Oh which by the way were 5-6 pieces per roll. Ebisu rolls are 8 pieces. The 6 piece rolls we have on the menu are also priced between $3 to $7.
When you dine out. I would think you factor in more than just the rolled rice you pop into your mouth. The ambiance, the presentation, the service, the entire package, big screen TV? 10 feet projector, cheap drinks? It's all part of the entire experience. Of course you can run into any small takeout shop, ask them to make you a 'Caterpillar' roll for 6 bucks and eat it on a stool. Some shops might stinge on the Unagi too which is the most expensive part of the roll but hey who knows.
hamsup: When did you have curry? Did you stop by for lunch? I'll talk to the chef later 'bout it.