And I did point out that the MCR is in quite a different ballpark from the C172's.
Correct, which is why it's ridiculous to make a comparison.
The 172 wins.
I still maintain that, for its capacity and performance, the C172 is not particularly inexpensive to operate. Let alone "very inexpensive" .
Well, you could always go for a hang glider, but then you'd need a mountain from which to leap, and a stiff breeze, plus the cost of getting to the mountain, the fuel, the chips and dip, and a hotel somewhere along the way, to say nothing of the stitches, x-rays, and the full body cast that might just prevent you from finishing the community-education Tango class you've been taking on weeknights for the past month and a half.
Far better that you buy the 172, and save yourself for the final dance night. It's Ravel's Bolero; you'll thank me later.