Ok thanks. I like to tinker also and find that (weird to some) after a crash I "enjoy" making it right again. I guess part of my equation is in part - shorter life span on batteries and motors = X amount of dollars vs. BL system gives longer life = Y amount of dollars.
I am (at this point) looking at 3 different aspects for purchase. 1. I would eventually like to go to a 50 ro 60 size heli with an apache cabin. 2. a better new style transmitter 2.4 ghz? 3. voltage alarm and/or BL system and/or HH gyro. With a bigger / different Heli in mind, I obviously want to get a transmitter that will not only control the Axe but whatever I get later on. If I understand correctly the motors/gyro/etc are pretty much model/size specific so part of my decision is to either spend now or save and use on a newer heli. Like you say, mine flies now as is with the only mods being the lipo batteries, added weights to flybar, and the plastic training blades. To each his own as we debate logistics of income vs. outcome for our desired results.
I appreciate your reply and the list of items. I forgot to add a simulator for winter months "flying". You know, as much as I think it would be nice to have, if there was a "cookie cutter" list of what to buy and how to modifiy it, this would much less fun as a hobby (an example is your bell / Hiller mod and SM's tailmotor location mod)