I know everyone has a different approach to all things and that is cool.

For me, I would rather pay 3 times an amount, but do it only once and be completely satisfied for a long time frame. In kiting, IMO, the place to sink your cash (if anywhere) is the board. In our light winds here, the board is much more important than the kite, IMO.
I hope this board lasts 3 seasons (longer than a kite) too, so, that's how I rationalize it.
My 157 UG is going on its third year. I rode it almost every time I rode for three years That comes down to about 30 cents an hour... I think.
I am thinking this Aggression is its replacement (or at least my 14 knot less "go to board")

With the cost of gas these days, I BETTER be riding and having fun if I drive out and its only blowing 11 or so. And, I'd like to be doing my THREE tricks and attempting one more with a board that doesn't feel like a plank in the air (no offense to some other light wind boards)

To each his own.