The title is clear "decision" you added the Good on your own. If you cannot understand or accept that I have taken a wreckers 60-80 dollar boxes and had them recoed refreshened or whatever it needed for the amounts listed in 2 occassions then all you have to stand on is that yes it could cost more and quite likely considering the market but good deals are still to be had if you know where and the shop still looks after a long time customer. Yes it can cost more but you must accept there are other possibilities beyond your personal dealings and ideas. Believe it or not I get great prices in the Footscray area from engine reconditioning services to auto transmission servicing and are well worth the freight instead of going to the pricey places you are used to your end.
I also have even cheaper engine reco services available from someone who does it at home in their time if you are not in a hurry.

I have fitted 3.9 to the rear of my old ute and my current wagon and are still useless with decent tyre unless I go stupid sizes that dont suit the car. So the only thing silly there is the lack of acceptance (a 3.7 would help but not easily had for a h150 and prob be as useful as a security attendant standing in front of 20 cent gum ball machine) on a 1200 a different story as big diameter is no problem but Im limited in a 1000. A 1000 with an a15 has useless first gear with either 60 or t50 period not silly just fact.

For me drift and skids dont have to be full time necessities of this build, I have most of the components, pulleys just working on manifold and blow off valve atm and as much as I would like a turbo setup, the SC is just simpler atm.
Everyone has their own idea of fun and also pricing hence we have forums.

If the superA is enjoyable with the manualised Jatco and can be controlled in power drifts, sliding and take offs then it will tick all my boxes. If not then Ill be the first to critically cut it up.