Sure, but that just means that most don't play to high level. It doesn't alter what is high level for the game.
Notice how the lowest level which many people voted for that is "high" level is level 9 (which is the 2nd most common vote)? Only 8 votes out of the current 122 voted below level 9.
So, while
you might not consider 9th level "high level" it is the lowest of the levels which many people
do consider "high level."
In terms of your money example, 92K might not seem "rich" to you, but damn it is
very rich to me and many others who are lucky to make half that amount!
Many people feel 9th is high level for many reasons, 5th level spells being a very big part of that. If you compare many 4th and lower level spells to 5th level, 5th level spells are
clearly way above the curve! Teleportation Circle, Raise Dead, Wall of Force, Reincarnate, Dominate Person, Hallow, Insect Plague, and many, many others are so far more powerful than any spell that comes before them. The same really can't be said of many lower level spells by comparing spell levels IMO--are the higher ones more powerful? Sure, but not to the extend level 5 spells are. Most players salivate at the idea of getting their level 5 spells!
By level 9 every class has obtained their second or even third subclass feature, a second (or third) feat, etc.
I'm not saying level 11 certain isn't appropriate for "high level" for many players, but I wouldn't discredit those you feel 9th level is "high" when a lot of games don't make it to 11th...
shrug