bmd

I disagree...
There is a lot of variation in granite,
so it's not just the avacado ref. or the harvest gold range that you alluded to.
The price of granite is relatively inexpensive compared to 'equal' quality materials.
The price of granite has free falled since availabilty and competition have increased.
The imports have probably slowed, due to domestic quaries.
The first granite top I installed was in 1990.
Plastic laminate should be set aside as a 'pre-historic' material that should be laid to rest, I used it about 20 years ago as a color instead of lacquer or paint. (I never really liked the stuff!)
The only good thing about PL, it is cheap and it may fit into a lot of peoples budgets.
Concrete counter tops remind me of eating on the garage floor, with the oil stains.
Solid surface reminds me of a chemical waste.
I like natural stone, and wood. (here to stay)