CSE HTML Validator Standard version is at Bits DuJour Friday, 25-Apr-2008 for $44.85.
While that still seems pretty darned high, it is discounted 35% from $69.00. I don't use it but some of my web site designer friends seem to always have it open on a desktop.
Also says that this price gives you a free upgrade to CSE HTML Validator Standard 9.0 when released, though I don;t know when that will be.
Jim