>>11525108step 1 - buy any set. maybe some cool pieces or minifigs
step 2 - build it? that's kinda fun
step 3 - wreck it. back to the pieces. all of 'em! okay, maybe that one part stays together.
step 4 - build your own thing!
step 5 - display your original creation! when people visit, they will comment on how cool it looks and ask about it. have fun making up a story
step 6 - stop complaining (???)
step 6A -- except maybe still complain about the prices. I want that cool piece(s) in that $100 set, or I want that Picard minifig so I can make some Star Trek sets (with my own crew in those uniforms!) but I don't want to pay $400 for Starfleet torsos argh.
