ORIGINAL: RealFly Helis are worse. I like the gents who pay $100 (slight exaggeration) for a 450 heli yet complain when it doesn't perform or when they crash and can't get parts. You might as well throw it in the trash...Again stick with the hobby grade stuff.....and dealers...Is paying half the price still a deal when you have a crash - which you will - and you can't repair it?
I don't think that would stop the resourceful. It might take a little searching among spares for other helicopters, to find a workable match. A college student might do that to keep within budget. But you are right, find a suitable compromise that allows support along with a reasonably costed heli.