Thinking more clearly, no. You're right, I would just take the $2000. But...as I pointed out in my previous argument, a book is not comparable to a BMW, acquir

Thinking more clearly, no. You're right, I would just take the $2000. But...as I pointed out in my previous argument, a book is not comparable to a BMW, acquiring a new skill is. "$30 is cheap for acquiring a new skill" depends upon the premise that the $30 has some potential towards acquiring the new skill (which would depend upon some evaluation of the author and the book contents). Otherwise it's just an "I have $30" iPhone app. Actually I think I could put it this way better – if I tried to sell you a $2000 lottery ticket with a BMW as a prize, wouldn't you at least enquire around and see if you could get one cheaper?