The replicator itself wouldnt be cheap. A decent one was about five thousand credits, and an X-model that could replicate exotic isotopes would run him nine thousand.
In Chapter 8:
I want a replicator, he told her.
She whistled. Babe, those are pricy. Youre talking a hundred thousand credits, at least, and thats used. [...]"
I personally think that Fel changed mind about how accessible replicator technology is. It's probably to not make things too easy for Jason. If I remember correctly the railgun (Gauss gun) had to have at first small replicator to create ammo instead of clip of hundreds of "bullets" now. The replicators get mor bulky... and the price went up...
I hate typing the message once again, because 'close' button closed all browser windows
I AM DEATH, NOT TAXES. *I* TURN UP ONLY ONCE.
(Terry Pratchet, "Feet of Clay")