I don't find $700 simple in any way, really, but I'm C&V, so retro is what I do. Each to his own.
I suppose if you continually upgrade, you can offset the parts cost by selling the old, like trading cars.

$700 is more than every bike except my Kestrel Talon cost me, and that wasn't that much more.
Still, it's a relatively inexpensive hobby compared to many others.

I'm sorta looking for a mechanic's advice, but thanks, I appreciate the input.
(A C&V guy pretty much said the same thing, get a Centaur group and fuhgettaboutit)

I'm still going to search for an insert, or maybe a different RD. I'll likely end up with Ergos.