The exact sum was hardly the point. The real point was: since real life limits my actual time in game, I'd rather spend that time doing something fun, rather than griding to be "allowed" to have fun.
For the record, I am one of those who enjoys mining and trading, and I often do it even if I don't need the cash. But if I decide to buy some capital ship soon (I owe none at the moment), it would be a great obstacle to me, so I'll prolly just pass to a fun opportunity due to the fact that the time spent buying it it's not worth the time spent using it.