Heh Heh...good one, that! ;-)
Although the sub $1000.00 mark is still, perhaps, a bit of a ways off, there is hope on the horizon.
Please see this web site: www.redshiftsystems.com
This is a major breakthrough in LWIR imaging, and should, within a year or two, perhaps three, be a major breakthrough in price points for thermal imaging equipment.
All comments appreciated.
Warm Regards and,

IsoThermally yours,
Stephen A. Brown