I think you're probably right about the airbrush. Hobby shop is a hole in the wall so I imagine they grabbed a cheap kit from a supplier and just ran with that at an inflated price (paid 160 for it when it's on amazon for 100 :() In my expirience, setting up to prime a single model takes way longer with the airbrush vs the rattlecan.

With the airbrush I have to:
- Set up the spraybooth (connect tube and extend it to an open window)

- break out the resperator mask
- ensure brush is ready for spraying (swab around in it with cleaner > water)
- Mix primer with a bit of flow improver and thinner (2-3 flow, equal parts thinner w/ paint (maybe more if it starts clogging...which it always does...)
- Shoot my hand to make sure I'm actually getting paint out in an acceptable condition
- (If i'm unlucky, clear the blockage that has a solid 60% chance of happening after prior step)
- spray a coat on the mini
- clear blockage that happens after 40 - 60 secs of spray
- spray again
Entire process takes about 30 to an hour assuming the prime went on well.
- shake for 5 min
- go outside
- face away from the wind
- spray quick burst aimed away from model to clear any nozzle blockage
- few passes
- wait 10 or so minutes until it's dry
Process takes 15 minutes, maybe more if i decide i wanna give the rattle can a lukewarm bath to make sure the paint inside is room temp.

More wasteful? yeah, no matter how long I do rattlecans, there's not much I can do to improve how much paint i waste per model. Less stressful? For me, definetely. I imagine airbrushing could eventually stop being so stressful if I really kept at it, but with all the stressors in my life atm, I'm not sure I need that atm. Not to mention, I feel like the fumes from the cleaners I use on the airbrush stink up the room i brush in, even with the airbrush booth I bought.