Oz,
for the most part I would agree, however, it was a 'pic basic' module that got me started. It was a pair of 16F877s in a little box, and while it was too easy to use, and I had an introduction to micro controllers without having to decide too much. I found out I wanted to go farther, and that using a PIC with assembly, and the fantastic free tools which microchip supplies was worth learning.
Before the pic basic module, I had tried a project using an 89at2051, but the programmer supplied with the chip only worked on a computer with a Korean OS, and just crashed my machine. At that time, I didn't have a clue what I was doing. I almost gave up at that point, but thought I would try these basic modules. (That was about three years ago, and my Korean language skills were very low, so I couldn't ask any questions about what I wanted to buy!) Once I had done a few simple projects with the pic basic, I had the confidence to move on.
The same goes for the serial displays; if you are just going to use the thing once, then the ease of use can be worth the rather large layout. If, on the other hand you will use things over and over, then it really is worth climbing the curve. My first LCD was a 20x4 serial character, that cost me 40 USD. For that much now, I would almost be able to buy 2 128x64s with backlight, so it makes no sense. I did almost buy the graphic lcd from comfile, but the 200 bux gave me pause. (and I'm glad it did!)
The pic basic module wasn't a waste, either, as I have passed that on to a young nephew, hoping to get him into it.
But yes, for the most part, these people are making a ton of cash on something which can be had for a lot less.
Regards,
Robert