Well there are still anime series been released on DVD in the USA, which are been spread over several volumes, with similar pricing per volume. The English DVD release doesn't make a good comparison, considering how much was changed in the English version.
While this is true, the key here is that these USA incremental releases are generally high quality releases in my region with either dubs or subtitles or both. Hypothetically speaking, if they released these volumes in the US with full audio/video options, the extras, etc., I would have gone this route over time (or gotten the complete box sets if there were some and I could afford it) as, while at a high cost, it would be worth it to me as it would be a true quality release.
What I'm arguing is that I can't justify paying that amount for the Japanese version that is not in my region, that doesn't have any official English language options, and that can't be used on my standalone DVD player and must be played on my computer with a subtitle file. I already own the US release, and as stated, would certainly be willing to pay, even over time, for a proper English release should they ever rerelease the series. (And yes, I'd probably still do this even with a good fansub for an official copy and to support the company/producers).
In regards to you asking how I'd like to view it, maybe it's old school, but I seldom ever watch ANYTHING on my computer - it's just not the same and I can't really enjoy it. I either watch on DVD or transfer it to a TiVo that can handle media, but for me, the TV's the only way to go, and I'd suspect I'm not the only one. I don't think my DVD player supports external subtitle files, but I'm not positive of that as I've never had the opportunity to try it.
The Japanese DVDs are still a way to support the producers, if you watch the uncut episodes via fansubs too.
No argument there - I just argue the necessity of this if you've supported the US release and would be willing to support a better rerelease if it came to be.