MODIFIED COUNTERPOINT -comments?????

I have put up a question about Counterpoint in the past.I was interested in 5000 model pre for it's front mounted phono controls.Plus have read a number of Hifi engineers that audio is best dealt with in hybrid format in that for tonal reporduction tubes do best job in changing voltage and it's sound while solid state does best job with power output giving better control etc..
Now I know in the day that Counterpoint was around thier products were "moderately priced" (a relative term at any point in time)priced while their signature pre-amp (the SA11) an all tube line stage was $7500 and the famous model 9 phono section was $4K.But when I look at the prices to upgrade the components my jaw just dropped out out.IT ws in the neighborhood of $10K.Now i know Mchael Elliot is a talented designer but when I compare the same description of upgrades by techs who put up ther prices here on Audiogon I wonder could the results be worth it?Again with many of the products not being cheap in the first place you have to wonder why the amps and pre's need the upgrades ,design features defeated and prices what I expect to hear quoted from a cardiac surgeon! And audio products that might have been orignianlly costly,with all the potetial upgrades to put the price of the SA500 into Nagra,Futterman,or Wavac territory.
I understand Mr.Elliot had high overhead and a marketing dept etc but how should one feel about the need for almost total revamping of the piece.He explains in his lit that back then some of the items delivered were EXTREMELY expensive.But now the testimonials reccomend you rip 'em out and put in even more expensive produts (many which I have to belive being analogue were availible then) and drop a cool $10K or something close to upgrade an pre that went for a third of these prices of said upgrades.I believe Mr.Elliot quotes a reasonable if not cheap hour labor quote of $45 and hour (I think).But the question is is can it be worth it verus what can be bought today?I admire confidence and when looking at Alta Vista and it's two tube amps he speaks about building a companion pre-amp which since he is as he stated "The best phono section engineer out there" and the new one incorporated will be better than the SA-9 "which has here to for considered the finest ever built" (though I think this might be fighting words to some Aesthitix IO owners).Again no lack of stated confidence.The pre project has had a multi year update with a few snags that have prevented it's introduction with a price tage of $12K but since his products are sold directly you will purchasing a product that through normal chains of marketing and sales you are paying half of what you would in a shop he states (though the sense of that gien the fewer units sold kind of skews that argument.I digress.I mention the Alta Vista products merely to put the upgrade route I was interested in to more prespective.I still think of finding a Counterpoint 5000 but have to ask m,yself "can this be worth it".Hope to hear from some of those who have gone the route I sometimes consider and would also like to hear from those who have simply heard the units (amps and pre's) ands think that stock prurchase and the expensive upgrades mentioned are worth it.I am not a cheapskate but don't consider myself spendthrift either.Anyone have any input after this lengthy screed ( as I apologize many of posts are- brevity not being my strong suit)
Cheers
Chazz