This is exactly why I wrote my guide:
http://www.wgt.com/forums/t/18262.aspx
But unfortunately it wasn't around 6 months ago either.
I haven't worked out how much I have spent on clubs I eneded up replacing because I dont want to know!
I wouldn't say I feel 'fleeced' though since it was my choice to play the game and with more research and thought I could have avoided a lot of that wastage. But impulse buying feels so good in the short term, doesn't it...? ;)
I guess it's good news for the new players to the site but I am dubious about buying anything in this sale that may become obsolete as soon as the new levels and tiers are introduced.