Interesting. I found the explanation on that page ("Appropriateness for Bear Bagging") particularly enlightening. Apparently the issue is a combination of cord diameter, bag weight (obviously), type of tree (hardwood or softwood), and whether or not the tree is wet. In Missouri we mostly have hardwood trees (there are no evergreens that are native to Missouri, pine or otherwise) so I guess it's less of a concern for me than for hikers from the west.

That's a pretty high price for just bear bagging. Then again it seems unlikely that a person would ever break this cord or wear it out so it's likely I wouldn't have to buy more than once. But the price makes me wonder whether I couldn't do just as well with a braided spectra fishing line (which is much cheaper). Perhaps the proprietary urethane coating they brag about makes a lot of difference.