For most of us on BF bicycle riding is a hobby. We should get as much enjoyment out of our hobbies as possible because it is supposed to be enjoyable. If having a $3000 CF bike is what it takes to get the most enjoyable experience out of bicycling and you have the money then get the $3000 CF bike.

Personally I have the money available to purchase a $3000 CF bike tonight on the way home I could pick one up. When I got back into cycling 2 years ago I started on my mid 80s Asian steel bike I think I paid about $300 back then. It's a nice bike but a bit heavy but way lighter and better components than any department store bike. I rode that for a year then found a 15 yo alum. Cannondale 3x9 Synapse for $350 When I ride with my club I usually have the least expensive AL bike in a sea of CF frames but I'm even at my ripe old age and only 2 years riding I'm able to pull the hills with the big dogs. Why? Because I spent an lot of time and sweat/pain working on my hill climbing ability.

So it's the Indian not the Arrow in my opinion. Still my bike gives me zero problems on the road as is solid as a rock. I doubt that if I were to buy a more expensive bike that it would vastly improve my riding performance although at some point I will probably upgrade just because.

No one has really talked about the point in the OP about wanting a lighter bike to make it easier to place on the (car) rack.