The greatest benefit for me in ownership is convenience - I fly when I want to, not when the plane is "available". I work away a lot and the ability to come home and just pop out for a fly -- to me priceless. 6am on a summer morning, crystal clear skies, not a breath of wind, just pop up for a 20 minute scenic before breakfast -- priceless. Clear winter morning, cold, still, clear - 10 minutes to check out that Southern wright whale lolling about in the shallows - priceless.
Financially viable, nope, good value for money - nope. great fun, great satisfaction, great pride - yep - you only live once, go for it
Peter