Crickey you lot are talking some massively high figures for GA!!!
No wonder the RA-Aus fraternity is expanding and quickly heading for over 6,000 members and looking to take over the 750kg mark.
My 1,000 + hours of private flying in several years haven't even come close to some of the figures posted here.
I think you'll find that ownership in RA-Aus is far more economical than for GA hence the ever increasing popularity. $$$thousands of hours for 100 hourlies is totally unheard of in RA.
I think you'll also find that many if not most of the RA aircraft are self insured, thus bringing costs down significantly. RA-Aus membership carries it's own liability for external 3rd parties as part of the $145 cost.
Hopefully the LSA category will open the doors a little more for those of you who are GA operators and you'll realise the benefits of flying light.
XXX