One other note I believe you can have almost the same uv protection with regular glasses. The transition lens just darkens to block out more visible light.
MJK MD
The transition lenses become darker in bright light outdoors so you get the sunglasses effect outdoors in bright light and back to clear lenses inside in regular light. The lenses will not harm you - so don't worry about that. I think it is totally understandable why they cost more - and it is a lot more complicated that just some added chemicals. You are way oversimplying it. It is a complex patented process and yes you need to take good care of the lens especially if there is an antireflective coating. It is often the anti-reflective coating that gets messed up easily if you clean lenses improperly.
One last thought - these lenses usually wont darken much inside your car because the windshield filters out most of the uv light. I, myself am not a big fan of transition lenses but many people like them - but still have some of your complaints.
MJK MD