Though I agree that transportation and logistics of a large model sucks, prices are completely disproportional to the advantage for those who are cash strapped (don't like that term, how about cash committed instead).

You can, today, buy a very reliable 35-40lb low time engine for the same price or lower than a 19-21 lb engine.

To all of this, add that a LOT of small models today are already equipped (unnecessarily) with high torque servos, high capacity batteries, power expanders, electronic valves.......well you may already have half of the necessary equipment needed for a large scale model in your garage.

That being said, today you could trade your small size engine for a much powerful one, and just buy a large airframe and a few electronics if you wanted to. You can get a 1/6 F-16 airframe new for around $3K, or a slightly used one for much less. Compare that to the price of a new Bandit ARF, a Jetlegend small F-16, and such.......

Plus, the amount of new releases is so overwhelming that a lot of folks are selling their bigger stuff for pennies on the dollar. And, there are still plenty of smaller options out there. (I'm specifically after the new DerJets F-35).

So, if you can manage the logistics.......the time to upgrade is now (if you want).

David