> On the opposite end of the spectrum you can get an AC-208 'combat caravan' for $150k in non-sequential bills and a late-model hyundai sonata (KBB value $15k).

Even considering that hypothetical scenario, there's also the cost of training everyone throughout the logistics chain and required to get the plane operational and in the air.

If you lose a peasant, you lose a peasant. If you lose a knight, you also lose the squire, the page, etc etc etc.