Brutha,
Concerning Trigger's Broom, I think there is a lot of truth in that aspect of the warbird business - particularly the "original Mk. I" that was dug up from a beach in France:
I had my Spitfire flight in New Zealand about eight years ago. I'm not sure of current prices, but back then, I could have flown from the UK and flown the Spitfire, for a total cost, including the airfare, that was less than the price of a joyride in the UK!
I've had rides in several two-seat warbirds but in only one of them - a P-51D Mustang - was I strictly a passenger. Whilst it was a memorable flight, I wouldn't do that again, unless it was a TF-51. Being able to fly the aircraft, even briefly, was an important part of the experience.