I had to laugh when Pamela said that that bit about spending as much for a telescope as one would spend on a car. In my case, I didn't exactly spend that much on the telescope but I did buy myself a 12 inch dob and then went out and bought a new SUV to haul it around in. I just couldn't fit in in my Civic. One thing you didn't touch on is the hidden danger of getting addicted to high end eyepieces. I borrowed a 31mm Tele Vue Nagler one night and was stunned by the view. I now own 3 Naglers and have more money invested in the eyepieces than I do in the scope. Is there a support group out there to help me kick this habit?