I'd say the price of milleniums is probably a good target if you have something that is as good or better. The problem I see with treestands is there is too much competition and not any huge improvements to be made. Basically you could spend all that money and make something equal or slightly better, but you have a very small chance of really really improving designs. Plus, I'm sure that insurance would be out the ass. It would take a huge marketing drive to get on the map, and once you are there, you have to continue innovating or go out of business.

In theory, If you had a stand, that you could put side by side with a millennium, a summit, lonewolf, etc, and a hunter would pick yours 9/10, then you could make it. If you have one that a hunter would pick 5/10 then you won't. That is my take.