I would never have guessed that DCC would be so much more in use than DC. The ratio is almost 3 to 1, DCC over DC. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks!
Videobruce, the added cost of DCC locomotives is no where near your $150.00, unless you are talking about sound equipped, in which case I need to ask you what does sound equipping a DC locomotive locomotive cost? Typical DCC Mobile decoders are in the $35.00 range and typical sound decoders are in the $65.00 to $130.00 range. I'm sure you can buy DCC Sound Decoders for $150.00, if you so desire. But the vast majority are much less than what you quoted!
Also, I am an "Old Dog" at almost 70! But, then again, I started in DCC back when I was around 50 years old! Now, my opinion is that if DC fits your needs, why would you want to get into something else? Then again, if you like the additional benefits of DCC, jump in with both feet! This Poll shows that DCC is almost 3 times more popular than DC, so maybe there is no reason not to try it out!