You are absolutely right, it's expensive. But it's on the other hand a professional tool. You have to decide what's important for you and buy a milling machine, an arbor press or a static grass application system. I am going to have a big layout and the investment certainly is going to pay off in the long term for me. That's why I chose the biggest voltage, also. You can achieve very good results with the more cheap applicators but I found the Greenkeeper much more easy to use because it instantly applies the fibres upright and in a strong way, too. I have seen the cheaper NOCH applicator in action and it's a fine tool, too. You just have to be more caring and patient with the set out.
It's the same with everything. Only you can decide.
