You want how much for a paperback?!

I know there has been a lot of discussion of ebook vs hardback vs paperback pricing so I'm not going to get into that today. What I am going to vent about is the 'new' paperback. What is with the change in size of the paperback and then charging 9.99 for it? Or even worse, I noticed yesterday, yet another size and a 14.99 price tag. Are you serious? Fifteen dollars for a paperback?!I discussed a topic similar to this with several people last year when the price of gas went up. Yes companies are entitled to make a profit. That's the point of having a company – making money (except nonprofits of course who just help people). But there is a difference between profit and gouging. Gas companies get away with it because we need gas. But publishers? Be serious. Why would I pay 10-15 for a paperback book? I can find any even semi popular book for a few dollars used.
If someone can make sense of this, please, help me.