I agree with you in all respects, except I see it as a direct comparison. No, nitro is not 'too much maintenance', but it is 'more maintenance', there's a scale when it comes to maintenance...from most to least, nitro...brushed electric...gas...brushless electric. But I'll be the first to say it's worth it. The first time you hear a nitro engine scream is just bliss, I envy new guys to the hobby to have that first nitro experience, I remember I was like 'This is the coolest thing in the world. Ever.' when I got my first nitro.