Not really @ masters price change - sure, some 'rare' masters have dropped a bit as most ppl would insta-train them straight from the get go but mostly things are the same

The way I justify it to myself is simply -
- we have x months to go before the new expac
- we can only get 1 end-game master per month
- we have more masters then we have available months to train
- therefore, GOUGE BABY!!!!!

Things may change with the new expac but the demand for masters will still be the same -
- new expac, released
- ppl go out and race to 90 in under 1.5-2 weeks
- these ppl most probably would have started to train a master at say level 81 giving themselves a low level end-game master
- they also get the class master for free (at around 84ish??)
- therefore, at 90, they 'should' have 1 master (class) with another on the way (trained) within a week or two OR they could then cancel this training and credit the amassed training (less the penalty) towards their 'uber' class defining master
- but, they still will 'need' 25?30? masters
- plenty of time to gouge

I am betting the prices of end game expac masters will jump for the first month? maybe 2?? then start to settle - this will be the raiders filling up their spell books + the fact they have the coin to spend - after that, I honestly think ppl will always be willing to spend the coinage as they get their spells 'now' vs 'later' - and honestly, lot of ppl have a lot of coin out there

No idea what you mean with the shards - sounds like your trying to get a player crafted TSO item? (i.e., commissioned) - best to ask a tradey - all I know is you need to stand near the trade equipment required (i.e., forge or whatever) and make sure you have all the required items)