KD5NRH, I see that you're situated in Stephenville area. It probably explains a lot of your perspectives on the subject. I believe the guys are looking at it from cities which are far more congested and costs of living are higher generally.
If you were staying somewhere with a much higher population and car density, loads and loads more traffic junctions, jams and really bad options for parking in the town area, perhaps your perspective would be different.
Probably 3 miles within city center of Dallas, Houston or Austin would be a suitable shift to what the guys are looking at ??