Again, where's the supporting evidence? You're speculating. I already addressed me error regarding price. Semi autos are indeed heavier than their pump action counter parts and cost more as well.
Rem 11-87 26" 8.125 lbs (91 parts) MSRP $774
Rem 870 26" 7.25 lbs (96 parts) MSRP $425 USD
Mossberg 590 20" 7.25 lbs (79 parts) MSRP $649 USD
Mossberg 930 26" 7.75 lbs (unknown) MSRP $604 USD
Benelli M4 18.5" 7.8 bs (154 parts) MSRP $1700 USD
Browning Citori Field 26" 7.75 (95 parts) MSRP $2300 USD
Beretta Extrema 26" 7.8 lbs (unknown) MSRP $1100 USD
As for reliability, read some posts from another forum regarding the Beretta Extrema and its inability to use all loads available. I don't hear of such issues with a pump gun, or a SXS for that matter.
http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=4997
Cheap is always a plus, provided the qaulity of the product isn't seriously affected. I doubt the $2300 Citori is the best suited tool for defensive work compared to the others listed. Note the parts count as well. More parts for fewer shots doesn't make much sense to me. To be honest, I'm quite surprised the SXS or O/U comprises more parts than most pumps and a few semi's as well.
So lets recap. The SXS or O/U costs more, has as many or more parts, and weighs more than a quality pump gun and in some cases semi auto. One step further, the Semi autos are nowhere near as reliable as a pump gun. Looks to me the pump gun has the bases covered. Cheap as in economical, lighter, fewer parts, increased magazine capacity and reliability.
TDC