Well, it's a matter of perspective.  No matter who or what expert you query, you are paying for the extent of his or her knowledge, research, life studies, experience, skills etc.  You are not asking a simple question, you are asking the expert to share a solution to your problem.  Like a doctor, he may charge an exorbitant hourly rate for 7 min of actually seeing you, but you are paying for the 12 years of specialized medical school and for the extensive pin-point diagnosis provided.  The doctor is bringing all h/her brain cells at the ready just in case you have more than common cold.  Same with repair "geeks".  You pay for the level of knowledge.