This game gets universal praise and I'd love to play it but as a PC gamer I refuse to as I wouldn't want to support a dev who not only never does sales but raises the price because of "inflation"

Why did you put inflation in quotes like it isn't real?

https://www.rateinflation.com/inflation-rate/usa-inflation-rate/

At $35 right now the game is reasonably priced for the amount of value you will get out of it. I believe there is an expansion on the way as well...

$35 being reasonable is an understatement. Most people take 50h to get through their first "full playthrough" and the replayability is limitless. Then there's free workshop content that'll take abase game and add another 200h onto it (Space Exploration, Krastorio, Sea Block, Bob's, Angels, etc)

Plus: They still have a free demo with no time limit too. You get exposed to the core loop within five minutes of playing and you'll know if it clicks or not for you before you even have to buy.

I bought the game at $25 but I'd buy it again at $35 and not regret anything...

I have like 400 hours and have never launched a rocket lmao