I've bought several radios over the years...all Futaba's(this is for comparison only, not saying at all Futaba is better, I just stuck with them).

In 1988 a Futaba 6FG was right at $190 w/servos. This is an AM radio, no bells, no whistles...the only thing it had going for it(I say had,,,it still works fine, that's pretty good value), is the gimble set-up, and the metal box, nicads, and good electronics(very good), no dual rates, no mixing.

In todays market for $190 you can get a totally upgraded FM system with BETTER electronics, dual rates, mixing(minimal yes, but its there). A bit more bang for the buck today, at least feature for feature. We do sacrifice a bit for the plastic, that's it though. Point is for the same $190 you actually get a bit more value in todays market compared to 15yrs ago. Take a step further to the $229 dollar radios.....they didn't even exist then...not available to you and me at that time anyways. That same radio if available then would have been $500 I bet.

I did use radios as a comp here...as they are a real staple in our hobby...all things considered though...the hobby is more affordable today then it was a while ago in my opinion.