Mke:
I tend to disagree with you on the price of aircraft/availabilty of aircraft. My Mustang II, should come in right around 70K with a Dynon 180 Flight DEK/EFIS/EMS, Fixed Pitch Prop, and a new Superior IO360PLUS Fuel Injected. That said, she should be right around 8.00 gallons/hour, or about 30 MPG, at just over 220 MPH cruise. Built as a VFR aircraft, with plenty of room for expansion later, she'll represent the best of technology, and still be affordable. I just don't get the price of these new LSA aircraft, and feel like yourself, they are over priced for what you get out of the box.
Just my thoughts, Herb Rose