Absolutely agree! I have now spent close to 30k on my G Replica (Alpine motor,big box etc) and I have done everything myself except build the gearbox and fit the windscreens. It will never be concourse and be lucky to be worth 20k if sold as it’s not a G (Although probably a better proposition for most). Bottom line is that you never get your money back...it’s all about the journeyThe difference would mostly be what you can and cannot do yourself. I try and do everything other than upholstery. Not always as successfully as a professional for sure. If the car will sell for a lot due to rarity then I guess one would be prepared to spend more on professional help. My cars will not be concourse quality. If that is what you want then you pay for it and that can cost $50 - 80,000 I guess. But my hobby is working on the cars myself not trailering them around a lot of professionals. Or even paying a tilt bed trucker to even do that much. Then taking the kudos for restoring a car that they haven't laid a spanner on. True restorers are those that take a rusty heap of metal and by their own hand turn it into a show room finished car themselves. Some even to the extent of building the engine and body from scratch. If you want to see true restorers check out the many sites on the internet. This is but one. https://www.facebook.com/groups/867119580122571/?multi_permalinks=1798655300302323
Might have to scroll down a bit but complete Gull wing Mercs, Jaguar XK 150 etc almost from scratch. I guess even home built could cost that much for these cars.