If Canon develops its most sharp and versitile zoom, how much do you think it should cost? $1.5k? 
Yes, you need to pay extra, but you know what you're paying for.
Lets see Apple produced its fastest iPhone ever with the iphone5, does it cost more? nope. Whats the difference? Apple's production is in China, the Chinese currency, the RMB is pegged to the dollar right now. Prices don't move much, for the time being anyway. Canon's production is in Japan, the Yen has gained on the dollar because we are printing tons of money. The Yen price of the new lens is not much higher than the 24-70mm VI, same went for the price of the 5dmkiii everyone was pitching a fit about. American's don't understand currencies or their own monetary system. I guess when the Chinese unpeg their currency we will then be complaining bout how much EVERYTHING is going up in price. Its not that the price is up, the dollar is down.
But why should the consumer care? Canon needs to act proactively. Japanese car makers, in the face of fierce competition, have learned to adapt. The majority of Japanese cars sold in the US are actually made in North America. They also have other plants around the world. They are basically trying to limit the production from Japanese plants to the domestic market as much as possible.
Why couldn't Canon move some of its major plants offshore? Granted, they have several offshore plants but are these enough? Would consumers really value the "Made in Japan" more than, say, a 20% reduction in MSRP? Maybe they should start experimenting with new models. If Canon can make the 6D outside, you have bet they can price it sub-$2K.
In the end, it all depends on the company's strategy and perceived importance of itself in the market. Let us not forget that the strong Yen is actively driving many Japanese companies into the red. Sony, Panasonic and Sharp are all bleeding because of it. Sharp is mortgaging itself to stay alive; even with the iPhone 5 LCD deal.
