Oh, it's not all about the cost. Nor is it about effectiveness. It's about choices. I don't quite understand why some people want to put a dollar return on a hobby, especially one that costs a lot of money.
I've never, ever had a hobby that was cost effective. Which is why they call them "hobbies" instead of "businesses." If one insists on a cash return, he's going to be disappointed.
At some point, you have to decide (or I have to decide) how far I want to pursue a new hobby (bird dogs) in the December of my life. I'm 71 years old, have never owned a bird dog in my life, and the pleasure of training and watching one find quail I planted isn't (to me) worth the effort...and I'm not counting the money. Like I said, it's hobby money.
