Honestly, you are absolutely correct.
I have used a Hovabator, Reptibator, and ExoTerra Reptile Incubator/Brumator and of the 3 the best FUNCTIONING one was the ExoTerra. The biggest downfall was that of the 3 it has the least amount of useable space and is more appropriate for smaller eggs like those of corns, hogs, milks, kings, geckos, etc.
You are best to spend the cash on some heat cable or tape, a proper thermostat (Herpstat or alike), a simple computer fan, and a busted wine cooler or mini fridge.... You will have much better results.