That's what I thought. I think the thing with Wen is that it's marketed really well. I wouldn't pay that much $ though. Like you said, at that price you'd need to stretch it out.
The silicones are just a huge no-no for me. I'll use a water-soluble cone in CJ CIAB, and that's it. I won't use a cone in the product that's supposed to be my cowash and condish because to me, that's just defeating the purpose.
But otherwise, I do think the principle is sound - it's the same principle we toute in a CG routine: no sulfates, use a cowash, use an organic, emollient-rich conditioner, etc. We just don't use cones
Alot of those people who swear by Wen are paid to, LOL. I haven't seen to many of the curly girls on this board who swear by it. I admit though, the Wen people make their system look soooo tempting!! I think we are all searching for that next miracle system for our hair.
But a good cowash will work miracles too, esp. if you alternate it with a low poo once in a while, and have a good conditioner that you like.