Bill, You miss interpretted (or I mis-communicated) on two points.
1) I said "so called middle class". In my definition middle class used to be an $800 camper and $2500 pickup truck (value not payment) with a loan on each, and a house or rent payment of $750 per month max, plus $1500 on a credit card balance that I could never get paid off. Today's middle class is $350K house with a 90% mortgage and $3,000 payment, A lexus with a $500 payment, a Suburban or Tahoe with a $500 payment and a boat with a $1000 payment. I don't know how they do it (or why) but it explains a lot of divorces I suspect. Money stress being at the top of the list. I won't even get into the "fam" being signed up for gymnastics, gymnasium and other "recreational endeavors" at another cool $250 per month.
2) I don't think I inferred "no debt" on the airplane. In fact, I was trying to convey just the opposite. Too many young people (and old people) shop payments, not value. The attitude is "If it's new, shiny and latest tech, and I can "qualify" for the payment (even though I may not be able to afford it)....I'll take it".
You don't think all these Cirrus, Columbia and Cessna buyers are ponying up cash do you. Nope...they have "easy payment plans" to make it work.
In fact, when I stopped at the Cirrus display at Arlington a few years back, the guy had the same plan as down at the local car dealer. You know...like... "What can we do to get you into this airplane", and " For the monthly payment of a BMW, you can own the latest technology airplane...and as a banker, we both know you can afford it...right".
My personal conviction is...just because I can, doesn't mean I should. Thus the Cherokee....for the price of a 150/150, I can enjoy something with a bit more performance, and a bit less shade (oh....did I say that....
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