I'm totally confused why pipes and retracts are almost always grouped together in any discussion. One is in no way dependent on the other.

There is a very clear reason - understandable by all - why pipes are an issue: noise.

Retracts don't make noise and today you can buy a Tower .61 (very happy with an APC 11x10 or 12x8) and the new Robart 520 series tri-gear, spring-down, pneumatic retracts (I have them in my UFO and they are nice quality, all metal units, see my build thread for pictures) for $224.98. Or the same engine and a two-gear, main set for $209.98 if you want a tail dragger setup. An OS .91 Surpass is $249.99. (these are Tower prices) So, it's not really about keeping it affordable anymore. That's exactly what I did. I bought the Tower .61 and the 520 tri-gear set. When Spring Airs are on sale you can go that way for about $25 more. That's right at the same cost of the Surpass.

I'm just saying, the two issues should be discussed seperately. Clumping pipes together with retracts in the same discussion doesn't make sense to me.