Yep,
The good machines aren't cheap. You can do a lot of stuff with the smaller machine but it's more work and you will likely get skipped stitches and damage/scratch clear vinyl due to no working space. Some of the bigger panels are just not possible due to limited under arm space on a smaller machine.
The materials aren't cheap either. I just started using life time thread. An 8oz cone of thread (about the size of a good coffee cup) is $129.
The 12oz Stamoid used on many of the bigger sport fishers is $30 a yard!
I stay busy sewing due to the fact that it's not my full time job.
I don't have to charge for all the overhead (heat,building,healthcare,retirement,etc).