Bob,
Anyone can rationalise anything, but these courses are not on every other week. So book in and make the time. It will be the best money you have ever spent in aviation.
Engine monitors for something decent start with about $2500 plus installation.
I do not care what anyone without one says, they are in the dark, but spend wisely and the ROI is worth it in spades. And those who prefer being ROP pilots, they actually need them more than the LOP pilots. That usually confuses most folk who believe the opposite.