That is because they have a
monopoly on better performing seats for OEM/nameplate apps, save for the few sparse contracts Sparco has with Lambo and the like.
I've 'lived' long term with shell style recliner seats in past rides, and have no problems with lifting myself out of, and dropping myself into the high side bolsters (which I would have to do with the ST Recaros ANYWAY in order to not ruin them/crush the outside lower bolster
).
Somehow, I am still here
without having had side air bags in ANY previous ride to this one, for 45 years of driving.
In fact, none of them even had a
steering wheel exploding whoopee cushion, OH NOESZ!!
Finally, as much as I DESPISE Recaro as a company,
maybe their OEM supplied product is leaps and bounds higher in quality and durability than their P.O.S.
way overpriced aftermarket crap, and I possibly would have considered them, even at that stupid package price, if they were of the one piece shell STYLE recliners, with a one piece backrest with an INTEGRATED headrest (and NOT the same lousy separate, way too far forward canted, post headrests as the base seats).