My question is why do you want a H H rifle? At this point I imagine he is at the pinnacle of producing rifles for those that don't have to give a thought to their cost. I'm sure he's there because he earned that place. He's fully developed both the talent and the persona. So back to why do you want one?
have wanted one since I first saw him in Foxfire. it's a personal thing but I've always liked Hershel's style and I would like to have one of his rifles to take the woods with me. unfortunately, as a youngster, I never thought I could afford one of his guns, but now, I fear they've become "investment" pieces and, consequently, priced accordingly.
To comment on your second sentence, I feared that a House gun may have reached the point of "if you gotta ask, then you can't afford it."
It's part prestige, but mostly a sense that this guy gets it and it shows in his work.