Refractors what have i missed out on?

[Vinsanity]

Hey everyone I been in the hobby for roughly 20 years recently I have noticed refractors are hot at them moment.
I wanted to get my hands on a Tim Duncan Topps Chrome RC Ref and have noticed the prices are more than what I expected even a Vince Carter RC Ref can set you back $300-$500 raw

Is it because the recent releases of Panini Prizms that refractors are back in a big way or have I just been blinded by the Auto Patch stuff and have forgotten about the blinding glare from a nice looking refractor

 

[Coopz05]

Lower numbers of refractors in total were printed. Then they were placed in boxes from hobby years where cards were mass produced 100x more than sets today equals a much much rarer card.