smokeyser, if you have been reading a number of posts, then you know there are more opinions than there are posters.

As one that has been very active in RC for 38 years, and cl/ff many years prior to RC, I suggest that if you are concerned with the $$ value so much that you simply get the equipment you want, go out and do whatever you want. You will learn both what to do and what NOT to do. Unfortunately, a number of "instructors??" here in these forums have many different ideas about right and wrong. IMO, there are very FEW hard rules and they are more related to common sense safety than actual model equipment.

With one exception, for the past 22 years each RC pilot I soloed out did so with the equipment that he started with. That exception has been "learning" for some 4 years and has difficulty retaining information from flight to flight and more difficulty recognizing the difference between 60* nose down and 60* nose up, plus any sort of bank angle. Solo is rather doubtful, yet the personality is absolute 100% perfect.

It is NEVER necessary to join AMA, a club, or whatever if you find such to be distasteful to you. IMO, being a part of a club, a national association, or some local groups has many benefits. It makes me feel a part of the whole, and allows me to input therein.

You sail your ship. YOU are the Captain. Welcome to aeromodeling. Enjoy!

Therefore you have to decide where you wish to fit in. It is always YOUR choice.