Yeah, I sometimes get people saying you could buy 100 Big Macs or whatever for that price when discussing fine dining restaurants, and I don't dispute it.

Sure, if that's your thing then go for it.

But one or two people with minimal training could probably make and serve those Big Macs in brown paper bags in an hour or two. They'll be made with cheap ingredients, they'll be the same as the ones you could buy a few miles further down the road, and they'll do their job of giving you tasty calories with minimal fuss just fine.

A 9-course tasting menu at a 3* place will be designed by one of the best foodie visionaries on the planet, made by a team of highly trained chefs, using the best quality ingredients, creatively presented, expertly paired with independently produced drinks, served with a flourish by the most charming staff in the game, and all in a gorgeous/cool/iconic/historic setting.

As you say, it's a full experience.