Hobbyist buying a few units of a component, even if they are buying it with a significant margin, will net the producer peanuts. So not surprising they don’t worry much about serving them that market.
In my case I was looking at buying quite a number of units, outside of a hobbyist application. In fact, I would say it was a higher number than the cheaper China-made products could possibly sell (different market sizes). It seemed to me that they didn't want to sell for any price really but would make an exception if they could really, really rip me off.
1d lidars that have a range of 8 meters indoors are quite cheap <$15 volume.
"2d" lidar, that is one measuring one plane's depth, are generally a lost more costly. Not only that they are bigger and eat more power. again indoor only.
3d lidars are more expensive still, and if you want it to work outdoors, even more.