Photo etch

Sounds like you have a case of AMS...

Yes, you need some resin.

Yeah,i don't see a cure so the only thing to do is feed the addiction.

Somtimes theres is just no point fighting it.

I can't afford it so that solve the problem seriously doubt I would buy it if I could afford it.

I have a liking to scratch building... About the only thing I use now is seat harnesses. 

You didn't mention what you liked to build - try this:

-Buy two simple kits... Only get enough etched and stuff for one.

-Build both at the same time but as you build up the etched thingy's, scratch build the other subject... Refer to references to make it more 'showy'.

You end up with two excellent models and much improved skills.

Ahem ;

 My advice is to take Four pieces of resin , then the P.E. and then let's see how you do .I am sure you are suffering from AMS .

I think the need for PE depends a lot on the genre of model.  Many airplanes and cars can get by pretty well without it.  Large ships really need it, however, primarily for the railings and ladders.  Those parts look really gross in cast styrene.

90% 1/48 a/c ,10% 1/32a/c,1/35 maritime,etc.

I have to at least have a seat harness and a full cockpit if too sparse.

I use resin sometimes but photo etch is less toxic.

I'm right there with you seastallion,i love doing PE.  But I wanted to try building 1/32 for the first time, so I bought a Trumpeter 1/32 P-40 and the office PE set was included in the kit from a vendor table deal. Well any way, upon assembling the pit, it looks great with the kit parts and the PE just isn't needed there.

Have you tackled a wingnut wings kit?they have a little pe which is plenty.