A small receiver or DSM micro receiver is just about as expensive as an AMB PT. It also just sits there and looks like it's doing nothing. Hard to run without one of those either.
Have I put it in perspective for ya yet?
If not, just think about all the people that spend $70+ each for Nimh batteries and you need 5-6 just for one day of racing, and they don't last anywhere near as long as that PT or receiver will.