RE: Does the hobby really need to be cheaper?
One example of how cheap the hobby has become is the Associated RTR 2.4 Brushless SC10 for about $260. To me it's a helluva deal.
The electronics alone are worth $220. So essentially you're getting the chassis for $40.
If somebody was brand new to the hobby they can have the truck running for another $100 after purchasing an Accucel 6 charger and a couple Turnigy 2S lipos.