The relative value for a part from one person to the next is essentially impossible to quantify. Some people like the bling of the Blitz FMIC and were willing to pay $300 more for it than the GReddy. My understanding of FMICs is that maximum volume is not necessarily useful on a small turbo/moderate power application. I run a VF34 and the GReddy is a great match for my setup because it drops less boost, creates less additional lag and is fairly well designed. The GReddy also uses increasing pipe diameter in an effort to maximize air flow across the channel from turbo to intake manifold. As for hacking the bumper beam, almost every FMIC on th market requires modifcation or outright removal of the front bumper. This car was not designed to incorporate a FMIC after all.

I think you'd be hard pressed to find parts on my car that I did not at least get my money's worth out of on the performance side. From my wheels to my fuel rails, I feel fairly confident I got great bang-for-buck. I only have a few 'glamour' items here and there, but everyone buys those now and again.

Worth is a very subjective thing. What one person deems worth the expense another might consider a waste. It's a matter of personal preference and taste. In the end, if someone wants to spend the money, they should not be embarassed to do so. I know I wasn't.