When I called about it, 2 full sized tanks of 100% helium at my local welding supply store was around $725. That included the flow regulator rental. I already had 2 but I didn't want to seem suspicious, since I said the helium was for a huge family function. 1 would've been plenty but the other was for my partner who wants to ctb too.
I told the guy thanks, hung up, and immediately started thinking of cheaper ways to go...
Nitrogen, a 22cuft tank (623 cubic liters) filled was $180, rental for same thing only $60 (though they're gonna charge whatever you used when you don't return it so...why not buy it?).
Nitrogen and argon are just as effective.
As far as the technical aspects, yes it is a bit more involved than other methods but the megathread here has a few diagrams and so does the pphb. It's not impossible, just takes a bit more time and deliberate actions than say swallowing some SN.
I definitely understand ease is a factor which is ok.
As far as SI instinct, you have less time to back out than with SN or N. If done right you're passed out in about 30 seconds. For SN and N you have 15-30 minutes before losing consciousness which is plenty of time to call 911 or vomit.
Compared to what? Nembutal? Sure.
Because otherwise, tanks of gas, even nitrogen, are pricey and the pre-fab regulator is very expensive; the do-it-yourself regulators are not for the inexperienced despite well-meaning people who claim anyone can put it together.
There's literally how-to videos to attach regulators that show you step-by-step that take only 3-5 minutes.
You can buy adequate regulators for $30-$40 and you literally just thread it on. It's not rocket science.
sanctioned suicide shows you how to assemble and put on the bag...
The reason why people complain it's so difficult is the same reason why they complain SN regimen is difficult, because it takes slightly more than 2 seconds of thought, they'll actually have to (god forbid) read one of the megathreads (or the PPHB, or sactionedsuicide, or the final exit...) that describes what to do (which I know...impossible right?). Minus using a firearm or jumping of a bridge suicide going to take some effort and some planning but it's not nearly as difficult as people make it out to be.