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"If you would look at the magic item creation guide and the pricing tables, you will note that you can create almost any type of bonus on any type of items. But when it comes to items that only takes up 1/2 slot (1 ring out of 2 ring slots) or items that takes up no slots (tattoo or magic underwear for example) they double the final price."

No, each ring slot is one slot.

I mean, saying you have "2 ring slots, thus meaning you must boost the price of any magic ring" is the same as saying that you have 7 (or more, don't want to look it up right now) body slots. A slot is a slot no matter what (heh heh, I made a rhyme)
*ahem*
Anyways, A cloak of protection costs the same as a ring of protection. Some wondrous items vs. rings have different prices, but this was usually errata'ed, or the item itself has slightly different powers (a good example is the ring vs. the ioun stone of regeneration, one doesn't regrow lost limbs and such, though I can't remember which one offhand)

The reason forge ring is so high is that:
#1, most of the rings are VERY expensive AND powerful.
#2. Sicne they'er expensive, mostly only high-level party members can afford the material components.
#3. There are certain powers that unbalance the rings a bit, specifically the ring of evasion, which is quite possibly the silliest item in creation currently.
and most importantly
#4. They wanted to keep stepping up the levesl and forge ring is the last one they got too on their list of item creation feats.

Oh, and the whole LotR thing of rings of power MAY have had an influence on it. or not, I don't really know.