we all do!

like looking at YOUR avatar I mean

I enjoy looking at your avatar as well.

It would have cost me more to do traditional BiaB since I would have had to buy a bigger pot. I went from 5 gallon full boil extract to 5 gallon all grain. I guess I could have used two pots and did a sparge or dunk. Or I could have done smaller batches. But if I'm taking the time to do an AG batch I would just as soon do a 5 gallon, takes the same amount of time. I have heard the same argument about 10 gallon batches. I know many people like the variety of 2.5 - 3 gallon batches.
That's one of the great things about this hobby; it's easy to personalize your setup around your equipment and your wants/needs. We're all going to the same place, but there are many different paths to get there.

I recently thought I was going to have to spring for another $2 "mash tun". I then remembered that my Lowes purchase was 2 for $3, so I was able to use the backup.

(Sorry, but I have no idea what your avatar looks like)

is your "tun" the paint strainer? or does lowes have cooler stupid cheap hiding out somewhere weird like in the gardening area?

Yup, he's talking about the 5G paint strainer bags.

Mnnn look at that handsome fella, so lifelike.

I biab because of the simplicity. I already had a 7.5 gallon turkey fryer. I went and bought the paint strainers and went from an extract brewer to an all grain for 5 bucks.

As I slowly upgrade my gear I will prolly have a mash tun someday, but for now I will continue to make great tasty beer in my strainer bag.