But then again, most people don't have the SMD rework tooling to be able to easily replace receptacles
This is mostly an exaggeration.
Apple has a $160 3m 40Gbps cable but Cable Matters has the same for $70 (and Trebleet has a 2.5m one for $50).
The 25 feet 40gbps cable from Pure Fi is the only I can think of that fits the "multiple hundreds' description at $200 but then again it's an active optical cable (it's not compatible with plain USB).
> the cap on the actual receptacle component is below $10 even for ones with support for higher speeds.
Maybe the actual C connector they started with is below $10 but you are looking at rather expensive redriver chips inside and careful engineering to care for the signal integrity at 40gbps.
A broken cable means the cable will be replaced, a broken connector might mean the device is thrown out.
Now I am a person with the skill and tools to replace such a connector or patch up the PCB in most cases, but Ibstill think I'd rsther replace the cable. Thebexpensive thing isn't the part. It is my time.
> But then again, most people don't have the SMD rework tooling to be able to easily replace receptacles
And that's exactly why a reasonable design assumes that buying a new cable will be the preferred option (over having to re-solder components on a device) by most consumers. It certainly is for me.