Many people seem to think that they should be able to play 4K maxed out settings for rasterization (RT not included). For older games, the 4070 Ti is usually more than capable of 4K at max detail. Eventually you have to make detail concessions with newer game releases as with any other card to maintain playable framerates until you end up like me with a GTX 460 1GB that cannot hit playable framerates at minimum detail settings at 1080p. Nvidia also has DLSS for numerous games, not all, that can help prolong the lifespan of the 4070 Ti.What does that mean 'cannot play maxed out?' I think you hit the nail on the head regarding prices. I blame those ppl. I don't want to get attacked or have mods after me - but, that is the reality - lots of ppl spent crazy prices especially for 'crypto cards' - and now BOTH NVIDIA AND AMD - know that ppl will pay big bucks for these cards. The new gen is expensive even though they're more readily available and the cards 3080 and higher tier (Ampere) are either out of circulation or they're priced way above MSRP - they're almost at crypto period prices. Also, many are third party sellers hoping that buyers have no clue about all that - and will have the cash to spend at those insane prices.
If only ppl just waited and didn't buy - prices probably would have gone down.
I bought a 3060 new (and later sold it) and bought a 3080 used - I am only concerned about the VRAM thing. It can do some 4K (games) and I mostly hit 60 fps (most of the time).
I cannot afford these expensive cards so I'll wait as long as I can and lower detail settings as needed since I was used to lowest detail settings with GTX 460.
Edt: I read an article that indicated numerous Gen Z were living at home with parents and spending like there is no tomorrow, hence inflation continuing to go up despite people like me with mortgage, car payment, utilities getting hammered by higher costs. I am still wondering who has so much money to throw at the latest gen cards to play games because I sure don't!