Yes, for some $200 is still a very non-trivial amount of money to spend on something. If your situation makes this a no-brainer for you, you're in a better spot than many that make 6 figures.
Tell that to mechanics, carpenters, or any other number of professions that are expected to buy their own tools or do so for security outside of an employer. Still a bargain.
I don't think what you're saying changes what I said at all. $200 is still a large amount of money for people, even if other trades force their employees to buy their tools. I don't see how that changes anything.