Most of them I have seen have gone from 15k (lowest) to 30k (highest, and haven't seen that for a few days). So you paid at the upper end, but not obscenely so. Most I see advertised for 20-25k.
If you wanted it, and were willing to spend the money, you got a good deal. Much better than the 60k ridiculousness that was happening a few weeks ago.
You paid what you were ready to pay and got what you wanted to get? Yes.
No one forced you to pay that amount. And there is no way to say if you were ripped off. There can always be a person who can sell it for, say, 5k. But you need to find this person first.
Anyways, You paid what you were ready to pay and got what you wanted to get. Good deal for you, then.
This happens in MMOs..thats why I love it sometimes because sometimes you get bargains and sometimes you dont, you live and you learn in and out of games.
Ive seen people trying to sell these for up to 40k. Absurd. Before patch they were in the 15k range. They drop more frequently now so if people are paying more than 15k then you have been had.
Gold sellers are trying to make up the difference now that Ancient Elf and Daedric motifs have dropped drastically in price.
For us, we only place a value on something for what we consider its value to be. If it is something that's desperately needed, ( a real need as opposed to a want ) then the value is whatever you as a player deem it to be. In general terms though if you can afford it then more power to you!
In our case, we like to hunt and search for the motif's and get enjoyment and a greater sense of immersion by "rooting " through everything we can. Since the frequency of these items has diminished since the update that "corrected" the drop rate, we have seen less.
One observation: Over the past three to four days, we have seen an increase in the lower level motif's. Although it might just be that we have had some good luck for whatever reason. I do recall that we found 2 in one night just opening desks etc. We have been keeping loose track of when we find them so there can be a comparison of sorts. Nothing scientific but just observational.
For the duplicates we find we have been listing them in our guild store for one hundred gold, or give them to the lower level guild mates if they feel the need or desire to craft in this style.
Often times if want something, and I want it now, I pay more than if I were willing to wait for it. Now, did you get ripped off? That is entirely up to you.
Since you were concerned enough to ask in the forums I think you answered your own question. Sounds like you have buyers remorse, so I think you feel cheated. I don't think anything said here will change that one way or another as in game forums for every opinion there is the opposite opinion.
Trust your gut and answer your query for yourself!
This happens in MMOs..thats why I love it sometimes because sometimes you get bargains and sometimes you dont, you live and you learn in and out of games.