Research isn't that bad if you save it for after you're reasonably well-established. It is resource-intensive, but its got pretty good pay-off, specially when you get to warded blocks and the golems. They may not be the fastest form of automation, but there's something about the adorable little guys I just can't get over.
It's not about the price if it, it's the tedium of doing every.
Single.
World.
I once wanted to see how long it would take me to do research - if I spawned in the stuff from NEI.
Still took bloody ages.
Especially due to its "desire sensor" meaning that the one thing you want, usually golems or warded blocks for most people, is the very LAST thing that pops up.
"Hi bro, you wanna make a golem farm?
Naw, here's a bloody theory of everything instead!!!"
Especially that bloody sano aspect.
Hate it so much.
And the Thaumic bees things are cool, but really annoying researches when you just want golems or something.