AdamFrisch:
Just look at a simple tail dragger like the Cessna 185. Google some sales sites and you'd be hard pressed to find a single one in good shape below $130K. Many of them advertised for over $200K. I understand they have a certain bush cachet and might not be a good yard stick for this debate, but $200K for a 50 year old plane?
Had my 185 (1700# useful load, BTW) since 2000. Good investment and a great airplane for our family mission, especially when the home strip is 1400' @ 5400' MSL. Not many twins or singles will pile out of here with me, the wifey, bags and 7 hours of fuel.
Does the capability make the cost worth it? Yes, indeed.
I'm with Irish Seaplane on the Twin Comanche. Got my multi in one many moons ago. Lovely airplane. Unfortunately, our need overrides the airplane's limitations.