Much of the lower cost of an LAA type comes from both the ability of the average LAA owner to DIY, and from the legal ability to do so to a much bigger extent than on a CofA type.
Yes. Which brings us in reach of the recent "rich guy" thread. Driving a car is expensive, too, these days. One can save a fair bit by performing basic maintenance one's self; such as checking tyre pressure, replacing dead bulbs, topping up the windshield spray fluid, topping up the battery, and such more. Even changing the engine oil is not too hard, though it does become difficult to get rid of the residuals in a legal way.
If precious few car owners do their own maintenance, what would you expect from the much more wealthy plane owners? Of course you have the maintenance done for you.
Back to grass roots aviation? Create a culture of inexpensive (not CHEAP!) yet safe flying? Wood-and-rags single-seater, VW-powered? Jodel, anyone?
(in grateful memory of Californian Mr. Bob Hoover)