The hobby is a monster if you let it be.... I have been lucky and had great mentors in the hobby. I have aquired a few used planes, ARF's, Kits, engines, and lots of other stuff for free or atleast great deals just thru the friends I have in the hobby. We all like to pay it forward and help the newcommers join in the addiction that is RC airplanes. I have also been blessed to have a wife that enjoys going to the field and atleast trys to understand "why so many?"
So, to answer your question: Yes, I knew what I was getting into, but my wife was a little shocked at first.