That is a pretty accurate diagram!! It’s not a shot at the analog group nor digital. It’s been said a million times, to get really good analog to match a well sorted dig rig, it costs $$.
It’s about goals I think, do you want a top shelf analog rig that sounds really good, or something good that one can still enjoy (not shooting for best SQ) > because it WILL cost you.
Being I’m in a similar situation deciding whether to pursue this, in my limited time and experience (TT) thus far building an analog rig, it takes a lot of work and setup to even come close to dig and can see how accurate the statement regarding analog cost is 100% true.
i have hardly any vinyl, starting from basically scratch, and have a learned a ton thus far. Purchased a RCM, new albums, learning about pressings etc…I’m still in early stages of trying diff components out and am still kinda on the fence whether or not to do this as I can see first hand what it takes => $$
However it’s really more about the physical aspect, the interaction and ownership of music. SQ alone will cost a lot, so it’s a balance of getting good sound that’s enjoyable (good enough without an insane outlay). At least I think that’s a fairly accurate perspective. SQ, cost, goals etc…are all very subjective so one has to find their own “balance” and perspective.