Yea it is a matter of perspective..

When I quilt flying in the 90's I started building cars and going drag racing..
I could tell someone I spent $15,000 rebuilding my 70 Firebird and they thought it was cool.

Now I tell em I spent $1,500 building my Cap 232 and they think I'm nuts.

The cost of getting new equipment is much lower than it used to be..
We spent $500 in 85 on a 7ch Futaba FG series radio..
Now I can pick up a 7C computer radio for $200-300
Engine prices have hardly moved up any in 20 years

Park flying has exploded..

the big barrier for entry into the bigger planes now is the Clubs.. and honestly always has been.

So you just got a Trainer at a yard sale for $200 with all the goodies..
Welcome to the Club.. Got AMA? $60 Initiation Fee $100, club dues $75..
Hey I just spent another $235 and all I have to show for it is 2 membership cards, a magazine and maybe a new hat.

Now thats not the club or AMA's fault.. Clubs have to maintain the field. Pay AMA insurance too, advertise and so on.. Clubs are lucky to get along as it is..
How the AMA spends the $$ I don't know.. the insurance and magazine eat up a good chunk.

Big planes need space to fly, that cost $$.. no way around that unless you have a good friend with lots of land.

Want to fly cheep and still have lots of fun? Get a slope glider and find a hill.