Six Pack question

I hear people say things like this and I respect your opinion but I feel there's a lot more than just eye washed involved and running a small block six pack. Number one being the rarity and the complexity to keep it running in top shape is definitely a level above throwing a four barrel on a high-rise, secondly a six pack properly tuned will run with any combo to around 500 horsepower where in my opinion it begins to reach some limitations. Yes I would never pick it for Max output at the track but I run a street car and the overall presentation means a lot to me. But if your budgeting performance per dollar by all means a six packs small block is the most amount of money for the least amount of upgrade HP that you could make. But then again I don't shop at Walmart either lol
I have had an excellent running 440 Sixpack, and I agree, they can run VERY well, and be a lot of fun. The "bawaaaah" when the secondaries open is legendary. And if I could get even a set of core carbs for under a grand (more than a dominator or a custom 1000cfm 4150), I would cobble up something to use my new manifold.
I just have trouble justifying the expense. What is a small block Sixpack now with rebuilt carbs, an intake, aircleaner, a/c element, linkage and fuel lines now? $5000? More?