I am definitely finding this to be true... being a first time HD owner, I have taken the opportunity to try and talk bikes with other HD riders I run in to... when I tell them what I got, I used to expect a "WOW" when I tell them I got a CVO Road Glide... but most of the time the reaction I get seems to indicate they don't realize what I'm talking about. It isn't until I tell them it cost $30K that they suddenly realize it isn't "just" a Road Glide.
I guess I didn't realize that not everybody, even Harley owners, aren't sitting on the edge of their seats, counting down the days to see the new CVO models when they are unveiled. I remember being so excited when I found pics of the 2009's a few days before Harley put them on their website and saw those CA EPA data sheets (or whatever they are called) seeing what models were coming. I suppose the mainstream is in enough of a sticker shock with the standard models, that they don't even venture into digging up what may be far out of affordability range.
The people I normally ride with know the SE's. Two of my riding buds also have SEUC's and another has tried to build his 08 UC into a SE, but after $50,000, he's still lacking heated seats, heated grips, XM, GPS, upgraded wheels, and the SE paint job, and probably a few other luxurys. His 113" build is pretty awesome though. My entire HOG chapter came outside as a group to look over my bike at a meeting. They looked like a big group of hungry barbarians that just found food. I have to say, that made me feel pretty good.