So true, it can be amazingly cheap to go ultralight. A few bucks for a pepsi can stove, sleep on some bubble wrap etc. However, there is a significant compromise in comfort that I may have enjoyed 20 years ago, but as I approach 50 I need my comfort. Hence, my philosophy is to get 95% of the comfort of a regular setup, but as light as possible. My tent is only 1.5lbs, but it has a sewn in floor and netting to keep the bugs out. As I get a bit gray I've also taken to sleeping in more motels than I used to, and my last 2 trips were week long credit card tours where I stayed in motels every night. I just left all my camping gear behind and hand a nice light load. I must say a warm bed and a hot shower at the end of each day is bicycle touring in luxury.
haha, if I wasn't a poor-as-hell college kid credit card touring would be a fun change of pace. But it turns out that I am indeed a poor-as-hell college kid.