You're so right, there are other expensive hobbies that can leave a deeper hole in your pocket.
Wow. 35 an hour all-in. Yes, we have been victims of wanting speed, range, altitude, payload (for which we are paying ourselves) and LOCATION... if you're not so picky pure basic flying fun need not be expensive or require overkill licensing.
Nazgul "Be Careful What You Wish For" Airlines