...Or one could just understand that one can't replicate the road experience at reasonable cost, and it's acceptable to get a tool that allows keeping up some fitness with some resemblance to cycling.

For cycling, I wouldn't let the perfect but budget-busting alternative get in the way of an acceptable affordable one.

I use the original wind trainer. It's far from the true road riding experience, but a surprisingly little amount of work on this trainer allowed me to start the year with 20 mile rides. Not bad for something that one can find on Craigslist for $10.