I think whether it requires a lot of work is not the most important factor. The important factor is how easy it is to replace it. If it was made with AI I expect it to be easily copiable with AI. Therefore it doesn't make much sense to spend a lot, if any, money on it.

There is no problem and no contradiction between your views.

If you want it, and you think it's easy to replace, try to reproduce it with AI.

If you find that it is harder than you thought, then go back and pay for the original.