That's it in a nutshell. You said it, exactly as I feel. I can basically only justify the cost of the aircraft directly from the detail. I've done research in the past, so I know the kind of time involved to come up with a polished final product.
It is definitely a process that can wear on your nerves. For me, it's a love/hate relationship. Love the detail, hate the tedium (not to mention the costs of AC).