From a hardware perspective, the 3DS ISN'T worth $300. Like the article said, the steep price is influenced by the political side of the decision making process rather than the actual hardware that makes up the handheld. I guess the whole really is greater than the sum of its parts in this case.
Anyway, I would be willing to pay in the late $100's for the 3DS. Isn't that what Nintendo handhelds usually go for at launch? I feel sorry for the Japanese people that have to feel the heat of Nintendo's diabolical marketing team.