Hmmm, just to throw my 2p into this can of worms, don't know why, really...
i've had many original A2s , G1s, Irvins., B3s, B6s etc over the last 50 years, bought to wear on vintage bikes and WW2 jeep, there weren't the repro makers working back then. I still have a really cheap repro A2 that I used to wear on my bikes, no idea of the maker, still going strong, and it did the job of not being an original to ruin. I'd guess that whichever company is making the repros now spends far longer in making each one than the contractors back in the war days, so probably the stitching is better, the hides are better quality etc, guys want better fitting etc etc and obviously import tax etc plays a major part of cost if involved. In my opinion buy an original in good condition, quite often these cost less than a repro anyway and treat it well. But then a collector's repro market seems to have been established as well, seems strange to me that a repro can cost a lot more than a plain unadorned WW2 A2, G1 etc. then again I wouldn't want a repro Porsche 356A or E type etc .. it's all down to taste and perception. BUT I'm not knocking repros... I have to admit that 20 odd years ago I bought a Buzz Rickson (second hand then) horse hide ANJ3A cos an original was too hard to find, pre i/net (still a pretty rare beast I think), worn it a few times and it's still like brand new, don't think there are many original or repros out there.
never mind, let's all enjoy whatever we can afford & wear with pride
cheers