I think the majority of tools that would be needed for the majority of repairs capable of being undertaken by an average skill/inclination person would not fall into this category. Also, good bike tools hold their value like crazy and can often be purchased, used once and then resold for a loss that is less than the cost of the repair at a shop.

Also, lol, who takes an hour to cut down a steerer? If it really took that long your LBS would be charging you a lot more than $10.