On shafts - YES, there is a seemingly significant upcharge on shafts. The pitch is they get the best of the bunch - top bin selection, etc. I'm 50/50 on that being true vs a line of BS.
But people need to make money. Real Estate, hitting bays with Trackman launch monitors, inventory, salaries, etc.
If you don't want all of that, that is just fine. No judgements here, I was that guy for 20+ years.
I'm in a place now where it was worth it to me. Old man with no debts.