The frying and battering process takes out a lot of the benefit of having fresh local oysters rather than a jar of oysters. There isn’t much of a reason that I can see to spend that much extra money when you’re not getting a benefit for it.

Some people might find it worth while, but to me it is similar to putting ketchup on a very high quality steak - sure, some enjoy it and have the money to burn, but what benefit do you get out of battering and frying fresh oysters vs oysters in a jar?

There are several brands of oysters in jars that maintain quality well above canned oysters for much less than fresh oysters. I’m a firm believer in fresh oysters raw or with a bit of smoke, jar for frying, and canned as a last resort if you’re going to make some sort of stew or baked dish. That’s just where my checkbook and taste buds meet though.