Unless you are full time RVer and have no true stick-n-brick home any more, RVing is a hobby. Some call it a "lifestyle." I like to call it a "lifestyle", but really, it's not essential for my existence. If I lost the 5er, tow vehicle, and every physical item associated with the camper right now, I would still be fully functional in my stick-n-brick home. That's what I mean by "hobby."
Now think about this? When was ANY "hobby" ever cheap? Every "hobby" that folks have, costs more than they are actually "worth". We do our "hobbies" because we enjoy them. Price is NOT the object.
I completely agree with the OP. If someone is looking to RVing as a cost-effective way to live, they are in for a rude awakening!