A $200 mount is NOT necessary. Neither is a $650 motor. Neither is a $1500 airframe.
The investment depends on the compromises one is willing to choose, the innovation and creativity that someone WANTS TO DO!!!!, and one's ability to enjoy many aspects of many elements of this game.

There is a "right" answer (read PREFERENCE) for EVERYONE, guys.

I run a $60 tuned pipe, pass the noise standard, and make huge amounts of power on my OS 1.60 with it's Perry pump....and I'm holding my own in my class.....