I was scared off by Goko for the longest time from all the posts. Finally took the plunge a couple months back and was pleasantly surprised. I never cared for Iso so always avoided it. With that, I have nothing to compare Goko to except the physical game. There is a learning curve with some fiddly Goko things but after some "game mistakes" it doesn't take long to get in the groove. $45 seems to be a fair price but I wish the promos were available for purchase. I'd give Goko a B- at this point.
My parents (and soon to be student loans) pay for my transportation and food, and I work without pay at a research lab - or, at least, they haven't paid me yet. So no, I literally can't afford Goko. I can't even afford to go out and eat.
Been there. He's right. He can't afford it.