Brian,
I hope you're right. Historically, it simply isn't so.

The Irish numbers of yesterday versus today, no argument there. As a percent of the family budget, maybe we are dealing with a wash, in Ireland.

In the US in the 80's, the top of the line kits of the day (MK) cost around $200. A good engine from the top 3, Webra, YS or OS cost around 200-300 (excepting the Hanno Special-450). Thirty years ago, 400-500 bucks bit a considerable chunk out of my household budget. Of course alot of elbow grease went into that Arrow or Curare to get it RTF and I don't count that as cost since I am a modeler first. Paints and finishing were much less than today, and easier to afford in my opinion.

But as a percent of household budget today, buying a Shinden from Bryan at $1500 (the cheapest around BTW, same as Griffin) doesn't have the same impact TO ME as 500 did 30 years ago, I agree with that. But I don't think that's the main point. Many younger pilots have tighter household budgets than I or you do today. That $2500-5000 required today to put a truly competitive set-up together puts a heck of a dent in their budgets.

What we had in relative abundance 30 years ago (and sorely lack today) is the opposite end of top of the line. We had good flying models from Bridi for example. Easily affordable even on tight budgets, and stayed affordable because the market wasn't limited to Pattern alone. Covered in wrinkle kote, they flew well, whenbuilt well, and won their share. Those days are gone forever.