I understand why Alex posted, to show newbies that you can get into astronomy for under $1000. The problem is, a lot of the forum members here are experienced guys and have built up equipment over many years.
It's also true to say that everyone's budgets are different, everyone's priorities are different. Some of us just don't have the money to spend on astronomy, maybe married with mortgages and kids, maybe don't have a high paying job etc.
It's fair to say, and we have said this on other threads, you don't
have to spend a lot to get into this hobby. A good pair of bino's, or a good 8" dob, is all you need.
But hanging around places like this, you learn a lot and the more you learn, generally the more stuff you want.
But you don't have to.
And for newbies, we have to be careful not to scare them off