i may not have gotten my point across very well there. wasn't [intentionally] comparing the cost of designing buildings to the cost of painting toy soldiers - i was just trying to say that all art [and this hobby is, and can be art - look at Fucking Hell by Jake and Dino Chapman, for example] is relatively expensive, as you are paying someone [the artist] to share their time and considerable skill.
maybe another analogy would work better - look at how much university fees / college tuition costs. that money provides you with a hugely valuable educational experience, and new skill-sets to use for the rest of your life.
on a smaller scale, if a hundred quid - and the experience with the "pro" painter that that money buys you - makes you a better painter, and helps you get more out of the hobby [mainly by not being ashamed to put you mini's on a table against a new opponent, as i used to be many years ago]...isn't it kind of worth it?
just a thought, and agreed, it's better to get it for free!!
peace out, and sorry if i sent things way off topic - foible :grin: