Keep in mind the over all hugeness of the mech dragon. Just because less pieces doesn't mean it's less plastic. I mean with those big saw blades and all those long wing pieces that could easily be two smaller ones, I'm not too surprised its priced what it is. Jabbas Sail barge is an example, but Star Wars has a license, and Jabba could be twenty pieces but he's one. A read an article a while ago that proved Lego has never raised their prices, (but of course that does not take into account when they have too in order to pay for a license.) It's possible Disney's license fee is more expensive then when Starwars was owned by LucasFilms.
Look at the Hover hunter then. 79 pieces and 11.99. If thats not more expensive........what is?