That is disappointingly pricey, but not all that surprising.
Maybe just one to start out with. :) I can rationalize such caution against my desire to splurge thus: with any luck, this will spark a little bit of necessary competition in desktop displays; an area stagnant since 2005's introduction of 30" 2560x1600 monitors. Better to have not invested heavily in the initial offering.
Plus, as you point out, there may be some odd corners cut. Edge-lit? Boo.
On the other hand, I've been dealing with four fluorescent backlit 30" monitors for years. LED backlit would be an upgrade even with an edge-lit design.
Is it too much to ask for OLED or similar 150+ dpi displays on my desktop before the close of the 2010s? 50+ inch. Possibly even flexible/concave. Please?