If a proper disk shelf isn't an option, you can DIY one. You'll need:
- an HBA with an external Mini SAS interface
- an SFF-8088 to SATA cable
- some kind of drive cage, or any mini-tower case with 3.5" bays to hold the drives
You'll also need a PSU to power the drives, and you'll probably want to throw a fan to keep them from overheating. You could fit all that in a shoebox,a if you wanted.
Completely agree. I'm not sure why people expected the price to be competitive with retired enterprise gear from eBay. It's a premium product, made by a small company in Canada, for an extremely niche audience.
Personally, while I haven't ordered one myself, I'm glad there are more options available that aren't made out of riveted sheet metal and flimsy plastic.