I'm with you Ed. I can see changing out a set of bearings or a ring, but if it's so far gone that I need a piston and liner or a crank it's time to buy the best brand engine of all time.

"Brand New"...

I'm usually tired of the engine buy then and I'm ready for something else anyway. Of course there are exceptions, sentimental value, multi's, etc. but for general sport flying. I’ll give an old engine to some kid at the field and ask him to “see what makes it go”…..My ole man used to buy junk at garage sales and bring it home so I could “operate” on it.

Hands-on experience, it’s one hell of a learning tool.