I have bought expensive academic books in the past, but never actual published PhD theses. I would expect someone to rewrite, extend and expand on their PhD thesis to make it suitable for a wider readership before publishing it and expecting people to buy it. Many of the books I've bought that have been expensive academic ones state that they are based on, or are an extension of the author(s) PhD work or other thesis work. I was also under the impression that PhD theses are printed and bound to go into a library, not really for sale, so I'm not sure what point is being made here. A PhD thesis and a book are different things.
Carcharoth
I've registered for this service and am downloading a thesis:
Queen Victoria : the monarch and the media 1837-1867
I have agreed to terms and conditions which provide that my copy is only for personal or educational use. The PDF download, 50megs, is free, but I could have had a hardbound copy for 30 pounds.
Fred