I totally agree about the cost. I got my KA mixer as a wedding gift. If it hadn't been a gift, I'd also be eyeing everyone else's. I can't justify the cost myself, but if someone wanted to spend a little on me (because hubby OBVIOUSLY isn't going to be the one using it), then who am I to argue?
I'm kinda lazy when it comes to breads. I love homemade fresh baked breads, but just don't have the time or patience to make them myself. The mixer does have a breadhook, which I've never used in nearly 3 years. *shrug* It's just so much easier to get fresh baked bread from the bakery. Maybe one of these days when I don't have a little helper tugging at my constantly, I might be more likely to give it a try - but who knows.