Just to clarify, I wasn't referring to the cost of cartridge filters themselves. I was referring to the added cost per unit to include an engine cartridge filter housing, as opposed to using a spin filter application. That information came directly from some knowledgeable folks at Fram filtration.
They also said that some manufacturers were considering going back to spin on filters for that reason. If the new ecotec information and pics are correct, this 'could be' an example. But yes cartridges because of economies of scale I would assume, do tend to be more expensive than spin on.
Edit. Didn't see pic above when initially posted, but yes the housing (and similar) shown is the extra cost initially incurred.