1. The machines initial costs are expensive, but they allow you to make a lot more guitars faster which makes up for those costs.
2. Every manufacturer has to hand finish their guitars. Gibson doesn't have some kind of monopoly on skilled labour. And, I question "Master Grade" quality when speaking about Gibson or any other company who mass produces guitars. Some guitars will be great and some guitars will turn out bad, its just the way it is.
3. Sure some wood is more expensive, but unless you are using something very exotic most of the wood used is rather readily available like M